Local Animals and plants Found in East Tennessee

A large variety of animals and plants live locally, especially since we live near the Great Smoky Mountains, which are host to such a large number of species. 65 species of mammals, over 200 species of birds, 67 species of fish, and over 80 types of reptiles and amphibians live in the park alone.

Temperate Deciduous Forests The environment of East Tennessee is known as a temperate deciduous forest. This means that the area has mild temperatures and that there are many deciduous trees in the area. Deciduous trees are trees that lose their leaves in the winter.

Plants Most common plants in East Tennessee include: Deciduous trees such as maples, oaks, sassafras trees, and ashes Wildflowers such as asters, buttercups, clovers, and goldenrods. Shrubs such as yarrow, kudzu, columbines, and poison ivy.

Large Mammals Large carnivores in East Tennessee include foxes, bobcats, and black bears. Large herbivores in East Tennessee include white-tailed deer, and elk.

Small Mammals Small mammals in East Tennessee include skunks, beavers, squirrels, opossums, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, and mice.

Reptiles Reptiles in East Tennessee include snakes such as copperheads and water snakes, turtles such as snapping turtles, and salamanders such as the yonahlossee salamander.

Birds Birds commonly found in East Tennessee include water birds such as kingfishers and green herons, owls such as barred owls, and small birds such as yellow warblers.

Sources http://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/animals.htm