Coyotes are common in Nashville greenways and suburban yards. TWRA manages take rules statewide, while Metro emphasizes hazing, secured trash, and not feeding pets outdoors. Lethal removal in residential areas is tightly limited.
Coyotes are well established across Davidson County, including in urban greenways, parks, and suburban neighborhoods bordering creeks. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency classifies coyotes as a non-game species with year-round take by licensed hunters on private property, but firearm discharge is prohibited within Metro Nashville under Title 11 except in narrow self-defense circumstances. Metro Animal Care and Control responds primarily to injured or sick coyotes and to bold coyotes that have lost fear of humans. Residents are urged to haze coyotes by yelling, using air horns, or throwing objects, secure trash and pet food, and supervise small dogs. Trapping requires a TWRA nuisance wildlife permit.
Illegally discharging a firearm to remove a coyote inside Metro can result in misdemeanor charges. Untagged or unlicensed trapping carries TWRA fines up to $500 and possible equipment forfeiture.
Nashville, TN
Metro discourages feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife in residential areas, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency restricts feeding tha...
Nashville, TN
Nashville regulates trash container storage and placement under the property standards code (Title 16, Chapter 16.24) and Metro Public Works collection rules...
See how Nashville's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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