"Wildlife" is a catch-all term that is used narrowly to refer to game or hunted animals or used broadly to refer to all non-domestic animals. In the Cumberland Plateau region and the associated coves and lowlands of Franklin County, certain animals are familiar and might be seen on a drive in any rural area as well as in many of the developed areas of the cities and towns. Other animals are present, but are seldom observed because of their nocturnal or shy habits. Coyotes are present in good numbers throughout the county but are not often observed except by farmers and hunters. Bobcats are present but rarely seen by anyone. Mink are thinly common, but are seen only by the quietest of fishermen. Beavers are common throughout the county, but as nocturnal animals are seldom seen. Their dams and ponds and common gnawings, however, can be widely observed. The rare river otter has been observed in one location on the Elk River. Black bear are infrequently reported, particularly in the area between Green Haw road and the University Farm in Sewanee. There are persistent stories of "mountain lions" and one biologist has cast a paw print in the Lost Cove area. Indications from state wildlife biologists are that these animals are not the original eastern cougar (which is believed to be extinct locally) but western cougars that have filtered into the area in response to the available game.
Game Animals:
Bald Eagles are now nesting within or near the Woods and Tims Ford reservoirs, with sitings becoming more common each year. Ospreys can sometimes be observed from the parking lot of the Winchester City Park overlooking Tims Ford reservoir. The various hawks and raptors have excellent distribution throughout the county and can be observed perched on many of the standing dead trees now common throughout the county. Franklin County lies along a corridor of hawk migration and the bluff overlooks provide excellent viewing points during migration. A less frequently observed migrant is the Sandhill Crane which can sometimes be seen (and heard) overhead flying in a "V" formation similar to geese; careful observers can sometimes see these large birds around mud holes in newly plowed fields during March. Opportunities for bird observation are excellent throughout the county. Persons with a special interest in woodpeckers should visit the campus of the University of the South. University policy protects many of the standing dead trees as a recognized element in both Wood Duck and woodpecker habitat. The large, colorful Pileated Woodpecker is common on the Sewanee campus.
Recommended observation areas:
