Nashville's Wild Side: You Won't Believe What You Might See in Music City!
Nashville: Music, hot chicken, and...coyotes? You betcha! Nashville's got a wilder side than just bachelorette parties and line dancing. Tucked away in between the honky-tonks and rooftop bars are plenty of green spaces, parks, and even a river (shocking, we know) that provide habitat for a surprising array of creatures. So, the next time you're two-stepping down Broadway, keep your eyes peeled – you might just spot something a little more interesting than a rhinestone cowboy hat.
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| What Wildlife Is In Nashville |
The Big Guys (and Girls) You Might Encounter
Nashville isn't exactly teeming with lions and tigers (though that would be one heck of a show at the Grand Ole Opry), but there are some pretty sizeable critters roaming around. We're talkin' about:**
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- Deer: Don't be surprised if you see a white-tailed deer grazing peacefully in a park. Just remember, these ain't your grandma's backyard Bambi – they can grow some serious antlers and aren't afraid to use 'em...especially during mating season (think of it as nature's version of a bar fight, minus the spilled beer).
- Coyotes: Nashville's got a healthy coyote population. These cunning canines are shy but resourceful and have been known to snatch the occasional unguarded hot dog (hey, a coyote's gotta eat!). Fun fact: Coyotes are excellent whistlers – their calls can sound eerily human at times.
The Little Critters That Run the Joint (Sometimes Literally)
Sure, the deer and coyotes get all the glory, but Nashville's teeming with smaller wildlife too. Keep your eyes peeled for:
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- Raccoons: Nashville's raccoons are basically masked ninjas of the urban jungle. They're highly intelligent, resourceful (sometimes to a fault – like that time they figured out how to unlock car doors for a trash buffet), and nocturnal. Pro tip: Keep your trash cans secure – these guys are like furry vacuum cleaners with thumbs.
- Squirrels: Nashville's got a vibrant squirrel population, from the adorable little fox squirrels to the slightly-less-adorable (but still entertaining) gray squirrels. They're masters at parkour, always on the lookout for a tasty acorn or a handout from a picnicking tourist (don't feed the wildlife, folks!).
- Birds: Birdwatchers, rejoice! Nashville is a haven for feathered friends. From the majestic red-tailed hawk soaring overhead to the melodic song of the northern cardinal, there's a symphony of wings to be enjoyed.
How to Enjoy Nashville's Wildlife Responsibly
So, you wanna commune with Nashville's wild side? Here's how to do it right:
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- Keep your distance: Wild animals are wild. Admire them from afar, but don't try to pet them (no matter how cute that baby raccoon looks).
- Leave no trace: Pack out all your trash – don't tempt the raccoons or any other critters.
- Respect their habitat: Stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Nashville Wildlife FAQ
How to identify a coyote? Coyotes look similar to small German Shepherds, but with a more pointed snout and bushier tail. If you hear a high-pitched yapping or howling at night, that might be a coyote.
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How to avoid attracting raccoons? Keep your trash cans secure with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving food scraps outdoors.
How to find the best places for birdwatching? Nashville has many great parks with birdwatching opportunities. Check out Radnor Lake State Park or Warner Park for a start.
How to deal with a wild animal encounter? If you encounter a wild animal, stay calm and slowly back away. If the animal seems aggressive, make loud noises to scare it off.
How to report a problem with wildlife? If you have a problem with wildlife in your neighborhood, contact Nashville Animal Control.
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