TENNESSEE - As of April 21, 2026, the Volunteer State is witnessing a flurry of wildlife activity. While the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission recently finalized the 2026-27 hunting seasons—notably moving the 2027 spring turkey opener to April 3rd—current focus remains on the rapid movement of large predators and a critical surge in tick-borne risks.
From the Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River, here is what is on the move in Tennessee right now.
1. Black Bears: Expanding Beyond the Mountains
As of April 2026, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has noted that bears are no longer just an East Tennessee mountain species. Reports of bears near Nashville and Memphis are becoming increasingly common as the population recolonizes its historical range.
- The Conflict: Young bears are currently emerging from hibernation and dispersing to find new territory. They are being drawn into residential neighborhoods by bird feeders, greasy grills, and unsecured trash.
- The "BearWise" Rule: TWRA and BearWise.org urge residents to take down bird feeders immediately. A bear that finds easy food in a suburban backyard is a bear that will likely be euthanized once it becomes a safety risk.
- Action: If you see a bear in Middle or West Tennessee, report it via the TWRA "Report a Sighting" tool. If you encounter one, do not run; stand your ground, make noise, and back away slowly.
2. The 2026 Pet Parasite "Red Alert"
On April 20, 2026, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) released its 2026 forecast, identifying Tennessee as a high-risk zone for significant parasite expansion.
- The Threat: Tennessee is currently seeing a notable expansion of Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. This is driven by the rapid northward and westward spread of both the Lone Star Tick and the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick.
- The Heartworm Risk: Due to urban development and expanding mosquito habitats, the risk of heartworm remains "sustained and high" across the state this month.
- Action: Veterinarians are being urged to reassess vaccination strategies this week. For pet owners, year-round prevention is no longer optional in 2026; "low risk" areas in Tennessee are now officially considered active zones.
3. "Cattail" Mosquitoes: The Mid-April Aerial Offensive
Following a "rollercoaster" spring of temperatures, Tennessee’s mosquito control efforts have officially launched their 2026 aerial campaign.
- The Forecast: 2026 is projected to be a high-volume year for "cattail mosquitoes" (Coquillettidia perturbans). These hatch in a single, massive brood from larvae that overwintered in wetlands.
- The Operation: Helicopter and drone larvicide treatments across Tennessee’s major river basins began the week of April 13, 2026, to knock down populations before the biting adults emerge in May.
- Prevention: While the state handles the wetlands, residents should tip over any standing water in gutters and flowerpots every 5 days to prevent "backyard" mosquito breeding.
4. Weed Wrangle 2026: The Invasive Push
As of April 2026, Tennessee State Parks are concluding their major spring "Weed Wrangle" events, but the work for homeowners is just beginning.
- The Targets: Chinese Privet and Japanese Honeysuckle are currently in their aggressive spring growth phase, choking out native wildflowers and habitats.
- Action: April is the ideal time to pull these invaders before they flower and seed. Many state parks are offering workshops this month to teach residents how to combat these "non-native invaders" at home using manual removal and targeted treatments.
5. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): The Management Shift
During the April 16-17, 2026, meeting in Knoxville, the Fish and Wildlife Commission made critical changes to CWD management that affect hunters and landowners right now.
- The Rule: Wayne and Lewis counties have been removed from the CWD Management Zone. However, for any CWD-positive county east of the zone, baiting and feeding are now strictly prohibited.
- The Concession: Transportation of carcasses out of those counties is now allowed to help facilitate processing, provided hunters follow strict disposal guidelines.
- Action: If you are a landowner in an affected county, ensure all supplemental feeding has stopped to comply with the new April regulations.
Summary Checklist for Tennessee Residents
- Secure Your Attractants: Remove bird feeders and secure trash; bears are currently moving through Middle Tennessee.
- Pet Protection: Schedule a 2026 parasite screening for your pets; tick-borne risks are expanding state-wide.
- Snake Awareness: As temperatures hit the 75-80°F range, Copperheads are active in the leaf litter. Wear closed-toe shoes and stay on clear paths.
- Mosquito Hygiene: Tip over standing water now to support the state’s aerial larvicide efforts.
