Engandered TN Wildlife – For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue

Tennessee’s Recently Extirpated Wildlife

Imagine if Tennessee had recently lost its very last black bear. Imagine if the bald eagle hadn’t been seen here in 30 years. Imagine if someone still alive today had hunted the very last white-tailed deer in the state. People would talk about it, wouldn’t they? There would have been news articles, high-profile breeding programs,Continue reading “Tennessee’s Recently Extirpated Wildlife”

Tennessee Cave Salamanders

Wouldn’t it be great if every little-known or underappreciated species could have its own fifteen minutes of fame? In the last year, axolotls— endangered salamanders native to Mexico— have had their time in the spotlight, and it’s no doubt done wonders to focus attention on protecting and conserving them. But did you know that weContinue reading “Tennessee Cave Salamanders”

The Teenyweeny Chocolate Flappymouse

This beautiful creature is called a teenyweeny chocolate flappymouse. By us, anyway. Its more typical common name is “little brown bat,” but that’s a very boring name for a very not-boring animal, and we think teenyweeny chocolate flappymice deserve a name as cute and remarkable as they are. Little brown bats— if we’re going toContinue reading “The Teenyweeny Chocolate Flappymouse”

The Chuck-Will’s-Widow

Look at this bizarre-looking cutie pie! This is a chuck-will’s-widow. It looks like a weird new Pokemon, and— just like a Pokémon— it says its name! Like its close cousin the whippoorwill, the chuck-will’s-widow is rarely seen because it’s nocturnal and well-camouflaged. If you’re lucky, though, you may hear its characteristic high-pitched call at night.Continue reading “The Chuck-Will’s-Widow”

Don’t Move a Box Turtle Somewhere “Better”

Have you ever seen a box turtle in a busy or barren area and decided to move it elsewhere? You’re not alone. Many box turtles get moved by well-meaning people who want to help them find a better place to live than a suburban lawn near a heavily trafficked road. The problem is that turtlesContinue reading “Don’t Move a Box Turtle Somewhere “Better””

Tennessee: Salamander Capital of the World

We’re proud to live in such a beautiful, remarkable area teeming with life! Tennessee is home to more salamander species than any other part of the world. Over 60 species of salamander—12% of species on Earth!— are native to Tennessee, with most of those living here in the eastern quarter of the state. The oneContinue reading “Tennessee: Salamander Capital of the World”

The Tennessee Cave Salamander

If we asked you to think of an endangered animal, you’d likely picture something huge and beautiful and majestic. You may even think of an animal that is no longer endangered, like the giant panda or bald eagle. But you probably don’t think of the small, modest endangered animals that live right here in ourContinue reading “The Tennessee Cave Salamander”

Remembering Tennessee’s Bison

When you think of bison, you likely picture giant herds in open prairies in the West. But did you know they bison were once an important part of the landscape of Tennessee, as well? Bison roamed throughout the state, in herds numbering in the thousands, following the same migratory patterns for centuries. The paths theyContinue reading “Remembering Tennessee’s Bison”

Tennessee’s Snowshoe Hares

Yesterday, Chattanooga— where For Fox Sake is based— did the most stereotypically Southern thing possible. In anticipation of less than half an inch of snow, we cleared out all the milk sandwich ingedients from our local grocery stores, closed schools and businesses, and huddled into our homes expecting the worst. The few flurries that fellContinue reading “Tennessee’s Snowshoe Hares”

Tennessee’s Alligator Snapping Turtles

Did you know that alligator snapping turtles are the only turtle species that carries its own fishing lure? When an alligator snapping turtle opens its mouth and wiggles its pink, worm-like lure, fish come from far and wide and wander straight into the turtle’s mouth. This enormous creature– not to be confused with it’s smallerContinue reading “Tennessee’s Alligator Snapping Turtles”