Did you know Tennessee is home to more than 1,400 species of plants and animals?
To celebrate National Trivia Day, we’re sharing fascinating facts about the wildlife and habitats that make our state so unique. Whether you’re a lifelong nature enthusiast or you’re new to the outdoors, put your Tennessee wildlife knowledge to the test!
What is the only turtle species in Tennessee that can completely close its shell?
Eastern box turtle
The bottom shell of the eastern box turtle is hinged, allowing it to close both the front and back openings very tightly to avoid predators.
When were elk brought back to Tennessee?
December 2000
The state wildlife agency released 167 elk in East Tennessee, the first elk to inhabit the state in 135 years. There are now more than 400 elk in Tennessee.
The Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower at the Sundquist Unit of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in Campbell County opened in 2005. Learn more about the viewing tower and the history of elk in Tennessee at tnwf.org/elk-viewing-tower.
What region is known as the salamander capital of the world?
Great Smoky Mountains
There are around 30 different species of salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, more than any other region of the world.
Learn more about Tennessee’s incredible biodiversity at tnwf.org/biodiversity.
What is the most common species of sunfish in Tennessee?
Bluegill
Bluegill, also known as bream, are found throughout the entire state, except in higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains.
What is the red patch on a sandhill crane’s head made of?
Skin
As they mature, sandhill cranes develop a red patch of bare skin from the base of their bills to the top of their heads.
Every January, our friends at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency host the free Sandhill Crane Festival at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. The event will take place January 18-19, 2025. Click here to learn more about the Sandhill Crane Festival.
How many acres of forest are in Tennessee?
14 million acres
More than 50% of Tennessee’s land area is made up of forest. See how Tennessee Wildlife Federation is conserving forests in Tennessee at tnwf.org/forests.
Which Tennessee mammal has the most teeth?
Virginia opossum
The Virginia opossum has 50 teeth, more than any other North American mammal.
What is the largest native frog species in the United States?
American bullfrog
American bullfrogs range from 3.5 to 8 inches long, but can be up to 18 inches long with their legs extended.
You can create habitat for bullfrogs and other native wildlife right in your own backyard. Learn more at tnwf.org/certify-a-habitat.
What is the oldest deer species still in existence today?
White-tailed deer
Fossil records indicate white-tailed deer existed before the Ice Age.
Every year, Tennessee deer hunters donate hundreds of thousands of servings of venison to their neighbors in need through Hunters for the Hungry. Learn more at tnwf.org/hunters-for-the-hungry.
Which migratory bird flyway(s) pass through Tennessee?
Mississippi and Atlantic
Hundreds of bird species migrate through Tennessee each year. Peak migration occurs in early May as birds travel north for breeding, and again in late September as they return south for the winter.
Stay involved with Tennessee Wildlife Federation to learn more about our state’s incredible wildlife, waters, and wild places and the work we are doing to conserve them.
Featured photo by Angela Headlee
