Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, and its forests, coves and mountain streams support a wide variety of wildlife. Black bears are the animal most visitors hope to see. Park biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 live in the park, about two bears per square mile. Elk were gone from North Carolina by the late 1700s and from Tennessee by the mid-1800s. Their return began in 2001, when 25 elk were released in Cataloochee Valley, and 27 more followed in 2002. Cataloochee, Balsam Mountain and Oconaluftee are the best places to look for them, in the early morning or late evening when they are most active.
The Smokies are known as the Salamander Capital of the World, with 31 salamander species as well as 14 kinds of frogs and toads. The red-cheeked salamander, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, barred owls and pileated woodpeckers all live in the park too. Keep reading to see featured photos of the Great Smoky Mountains’ wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.
Featured Great Smoky Mountains National Park Wildlife Photographs
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Wildlife Photography Tips
Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.
If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Black for long distance shots.
Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional-grade camera equipment but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment Tele 58mm Mobile Lens II for improved reach, and use a Moment camera case with a lens mount to attach it to your phone. Since cell phones generally cannot provide the same reach as a dedicated telephoto camera lens, never compensate by moving dangerously close to wildlife. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.
Want to take your wildlife photos further? Featured photographer Vella Torvik shares her field-tested advice on gear, camera settings, light, composition and safely approaching wildlife in our Wildlife Photography 101: Insider Tips From the Field masterclass.
Great Smoky Mountains Wildlife Education and Resources
Want to learn more about Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:
- Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America, Seventh Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
- Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Species List
The wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Mammals
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Beaver (Castor canadensis) | Uncommon |
| American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) | Common |
| Appalachian Cottontail (Sylvilagus obscurus) | Rare |
| Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) | Uncommon |
| Black Rat (Rattus rattus) | Rare |
| Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | Common |
| Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) | Rare |
| Common Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus hispidus) | Rare |
| Common Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) | Common |
| Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) | Common |
| Cotton Mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus) | Uncommon |
| Coyote (Canis latrans) | Common |
| Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) | Common |
| Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) | Common |
| Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) | Common |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) | Rare |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) | Common |
| Eastern Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis) | Rare |
| Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis) | Common |
| Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) | Rare |
| Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) | Rare |
| Eastern Woodrat (Neotoma floridana) | Rare |
| Elk (Cervus elaphus) | Uncommon |
| Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis) | Rare |
| Golden Mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli) | Uncommon |
| Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens) | Unknown |
| Hairy-tailed Mole (Parascalops breweri) | Common |
| Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) | Uncommon |
| Horse (Equus caballus) | Uncommon |
| House Mouse (Mus musculus) | Rare |
| Indiana Myotis (Myotis sodalis) | Rare |
| Least Shrew (Cryptotis parva) | Uncommon |
| Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) | Unknown |
| Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) | Rare |
| Long-tailed Shrew (Sorex dispar) | Uncommon |
| Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) | Common |
| Masked Shrew (Sorex cinereus) | Common |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius) | Rare |
| Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) | Rare |
| Mink (Neovison vison) | Uncommon |
| Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) | Common |
| Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) | Unknown |
| Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) | Rare |
| Northern Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina brevicauda) | Common |
| Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus) | Rare |
| Pygmy Shrew (Sorex hoyi) | Uncommon |
| Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) | Uncommon |
| Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) | Uncommon |
| Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) | Common |
| River Otter (Lontra canadensis) | Uncommon |
| Rock Vole (Microtus chrotorrhinus) | Uncommon |
| Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus) | Rare |
| Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) | Uncommon |
| Smokey Shrew (Sorex fumeus) | Common |
| Southeastern Shrew (Sorex longirostris) | Rare |
| Southern Bog Lemming (Synaptomys cooperi) | Uncommon |
| Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) | Common |
| Southern Red-backed Vole (Myodes gapperi) | Common |
| Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) | Rare |
| Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) | Common |
| Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) | Rare |
| Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) | Common |
| Water Shrew (Sorex palustris) | Rare |
| White-footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) | Common |
| White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) | Common |
| Wild Hog (Sus scrofa) | Common |
| Woodchuck (Marmota monax) | Uncommon |
| Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) | Uncommon |
| Woodland Vole (Microtus pinetorum) | Uncommon |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Birds
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) | Common |
| Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) | Occasional |
| American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) | Rare |
| American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) | Occasional |
| American Coot (Fulica americana) | Occasional |
| American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) | Common |
| American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) | Common |
| American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) | Rare |
| American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) | Uncommon |
| American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) | Uncommon |
| American Robin (Turdus migratorius) | Common |
| American Wigeon (Anas americana) | Rare |
| American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) | Uncommon |
| Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | Uncommon |
| Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) | Uncommon |
| Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) | Occasional |
| Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) | Common |
| Barred Owl (Strix varia) | Uncommon |
| Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) | Uncommon |
| Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) | Uncommon |
| Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) | Rare |
| Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) | Common |
| Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) | Uncommon |
| Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) | Common |
| Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) | Unknown |
| Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) | Common |
| Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) | Abundant |
| Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) | Common |
| Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) | Uncommon |
| Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) | Rare |
| Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) | Common |
| Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) | Common |
| Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) | Abundant |
| Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) | Rare |
| Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera) | Rare |
| Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) | Rare |
| Bonaparte’s Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) | Occasional |
| Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) | Occasional |
| Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) | Common |
| Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) | Common |
| Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) | Uncommon |
| Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) | Uncommon |
| Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) | Unknown |
| Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) | Rare |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) | Uncommon |
| Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) | Common |
| Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) | Rare |
| Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) | Uncommon |
| Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) | Common |
| Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) | Common |
| Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) | Uncommon |
| Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) | Rare |
| Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) | Occasional |
| Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) | Common |
| Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) | Common |
| Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) | Common |
| Chuck-will’s-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) | Rare |
| Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) | Occasional |
| Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) | Rare |
| Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) | Uncommon |
| Common Loon (Gavia immer) | Occasional |
| Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) | Occasional |
| Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) | Rare |
| Common Raven (Corvus corax) | Uncommon |
| Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) | Rare |
| Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) | Uncommon |
| Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) | Occasional |
| Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) | Occasional |
| Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) | Abundant |
| Dickcissel (Spiza americana) | Occasional |
| Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) | Occasional |
| Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) | Common |
| Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) | Common |
| Eastern Screech-owl (Megascops asio) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) | Common |
| Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens) | Common |
| Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) | Occasional |
| Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) | Common |
| Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) | Uncommon |
| Gadwall (Anas strepera) | Occasional |
| Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) | Occasional |
| Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) | Common |
| Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) | Rare |
| Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) | Rare |
| Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) | Uncommon |
| Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) | Uncommon |
| Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) | Uncommon |
| Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) | Rare |
| Green Heron (Butorides virescens) | Rare |
| Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) | Occasional |
| Grey-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus) | Uncommon |
| Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) | Common |
| Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) | Rare |
| Henslow’s Sparrow (Centronyx henslowii) | Occasional |
| Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) | Uncommon |
| Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) | Occasional |
| Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) | Occasional |
| Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) | Common |
| Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) | Occasional |
| House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) | Rare |
| House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) | Rare |
| House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) | Rare |
| Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) | Common |
| Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa) | Uncommon |
| Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) | Uncommon |
| Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) | Rare |
| Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) | Uncommon |
| Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) | Occasional |
| Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) | Rare |
| Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) | Rare |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) | Rare |
| Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) | Rare |
| Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) | Occasional |
| Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) | Unknown |
| Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) | Common |
| Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) | Common |
| Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) | Uncommon |
| Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) | Occasional |
| Merlin (Falco columbarius) | Occasional |
| Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) | Rare |
| Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) | Common |
| Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) | Occasional |
| Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) | Uncommon |
| Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) | Rare |
| Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) | Common |
| Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) | Uncommon |
| Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) | Rare |
| Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) | Uncommon |
| Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) | Rare |
| Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) | Common |
| Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) | Rare |
| Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) | Uncommon |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) | Uncommon |
| Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) | Rare |
| Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) | Rare |
| Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) | Rare |
| Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) | Occasional |
| Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) | Rare |
| Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) | Occasional |
| Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) | Abundant |
| Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) | Uncommon |
| Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) | Uncommon |
| Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) | Occasional |
| Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) | Rare |
| Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) | Uncommon |
| Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) | Common |
| Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) | Uncommon |
| Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) | Uncommon |
| Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) | Uncommon |
| Purple Martin (Progne subis) | Rare |
| Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) | Uncommon |
| Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) | Unknown |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) | Uncommon |
| Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) | Rare |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) | Common |
| Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) | Abundant |
| Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) | Rare |
| Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) | Occasional |
| Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) | Uncommon |
| Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) | Uncommon |
| Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) | Uncommon |
| Redhead (Aythya americana) | Rare |
| Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) | Occasional |
| Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) | Rare |
| Rock Dove (Columba livia) | Occasional |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) | Common |
| Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) | Rare |
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) | Uncommon |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) | Common |
| Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) | Rare |
| Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) | Uncommon |
| Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) | Rare |
| Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) | Rare |
| Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) | Unknown |
| Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) | Rare |
| Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) | Common |
| Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) | Occasional |
| Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis) | Occasional |
| Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) | Occasional |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) | Uncommon |
| Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) | Occasional |
| Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) | Occasional |
| Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) | Occasional |
| Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) | Rare |
| Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) | Rare |
| Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) | Common |
| Sora (Porzana carolina) | Occasional |
| Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) | Rare |
| Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) | Rare |
| Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) | Common |
| Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) | Rare |
| Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) | Rare |
| Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) | Uncommon |
| Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) | Common |
| Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) | Rare |
| Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) | Rare |
| Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) | Common |
| Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) | Common |
| Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) | Unknown |
| Veery (Catharus fuscescens) | Common |
| Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) | Uncommon |
| Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) | Unknown |
| Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) | Occasional |
| White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) | Common |
| White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) | Rare |
| White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) | Uncommon |
| White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) | Common |
| White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) | Rare |
| Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) | Uncommon |
| Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) | Occasional |
| Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) | Rare |
| Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) | Occasional |
| Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) | Common |
| Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) | Uncommon |
| Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) | Common |
| Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus) | Common |
| Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) | Rare |
| Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) | Occasional |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) | Common |
| Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) | Common |
| Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica) | Uncommon |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reptiles
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra) | Common |
| Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) | Common |
| Coal Skink (Plestiodon anthracinus) | Rare |
| Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) | Common |
| Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) | Common |
| Cumberland Slider (Trachemys scripta troostii) | Rare |
| Eastern Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) | Common |
| Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) | Common |
| Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) | Common |
| Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus aestivus) | Common |
| Eastern Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus) | Common |
| Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) | Common |
| Eastern Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera spinifera) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) | Common |
| Little Brown Skink (Scincella lateralis) | Common |
| Midland Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) | Common |
| Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) | Common |
| Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) | Uncommon |
| Mole Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata) | Uncommon |
| Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) | Common |
| Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) | Common |
| Northern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus) | Common |
| Northern Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) | Common |
| Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) | Rare |
| Northern Pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) | Rare |
| Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) | Common |
| Northern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) | Common |
| Northern Scarletsnake (Cemophora coccinea copei) | Rare |
| Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) | Common |
| Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) | Uncommon |
| Six-lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineatus sexlineatus) | Common |
| Smooth Earth Snake (Haldea valeriae valeriae) | Uncommon |
| Southeastern Crowned Snake (Tantilla coronata) | Uncommon |
| Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus) | Rare |
| Stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus) | Rare |
| Stripe-necked Musk Turtle (Sternotherus peltifer) | Rare |
| Texas Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) | Common |
| Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) | Common |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Amphibians
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) | Common |
| Black Shovel-nosed Salamander (Desmognathus intermedius) | Uncommon |
| Black-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus) | Common |
| Black-chinned Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) | Common |
| Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea wilderae) | Common |
| Cave Salamander (Eurycea lucifuga) | Rare |
| Cherokee Black-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus gvnigeusgwotli) | Common |
| Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Dryophytes chrysoscelis) | Uncommon |
| Eastern American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) | Abundant |
| Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) | Uncommon |
| Eastern Mud Salamander (Pseudotriton montanus) | Unknown |
| Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis) | Rare |
| Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) | Common |
| Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) | Rare |
| Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) | Uncommon |
| Fowler’s Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) | Uncommon |
| Great Smokies Mountain Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus adatsihi) | Common |
| Green Frog (Aquarana clamitans) | Unknown |
| Green Salamander (Aneides aeneus) | Unknown |
| Green Treefrog (Dryophytes cinereus) | Uncommon |
| Imitator Salamander (Desmognathus imitator) | Common |
| Junaluska Salamander (Eurycea junaluska) | Rare |
| Longtail Salamander (Eurycea longicauda) | Uncommon |
| Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum) | Uncommon |
| Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) | Rare |
| Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) | Rare |
| Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) | Common |
| Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris) | Uncommon |
| Pigmy Salamander (Desmognathus wrighti) | Common |
| Pisgah Black-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus mavrokoilius) | Uncommon |
| Red-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon jordani) | Common |
| Santeelah Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus santeetlah) | Common |
| Seal Salamander (Desmognathus monticola) | Common |
| Seepage Salamander (Desmognathus aeneus) | Rare |
| Shovel-nosed Salamander (Desmognathus marmoratus) | Uncommon |
| Southern Appalachian Slimy Salamander (Plethodon teyahalee) | Common |
| Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon metcalfi) | Common |
| Southern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus) | Common |
| Southern Zigzag Salamander (Plethodon ventralis) | Uncommon |
| Spotted Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus conanti) | Common |
| Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) | Uncommon |
| Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) | Common |
| Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) | Uncommon |
| Three-lined Salamander (Eurycea guttolineata) | Rare |
| Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum) | Uncommon |
| Wood Frog (Boreorana sylvatica) | Common |
| Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousei) | Unknown |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fish
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Brook Lamprey (Lampetra appendix) | Rare |
| Banded Darter (Etheostoma zonale) | Rare |
| Banded Sculpin (Cottus carolinae) | Common |
| Bigeye Chub (Hybopsis amblops) | Uncommon |
| Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) | Unknown |
| Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) | Rare |
| Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) | Common |
| Blacknose Dace (Rhinichthys obtusus) | Common |
| Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) | Uncommon |
| Brook Silverside (Labidesthes sicculus) | Rare |
| Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) | Uncommon |
| Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) | Common |
| Central Stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum) | Common |
| Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) | Unknown |
| Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) | Rare |
| Duskytail Darter (Etheostoma percnurum) | Rare |
| Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) | Rare |
| Fantail Darter (Etheostoma flabellare) | Rare |
| Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) | Rare |
| Fatlips Minnow (Phenacobius crassilabrum) | Rare |
| Flame Chub (Hemitremia flammea) | Rare |
| Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) | Unknown |
| Gilt Darter (Percina evides) | Uncommon |
| Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) | Uncommon |
| Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum) | Uncommon |
| Goldfish (Carassius auratus) | Rare |
| Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) | Rare |
| Greenfin Darter (Etheostoma chlorobranchium) | Common |
| Greenside Darter (Etheostoma blennioides) | Common |
| Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) | Rare |
| Largescale Stoneroller (Campostoma oligolepis) | Unknown |
| Logperch (Percina caprodes) | Rare |
| Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) | Common |
| Mirror Shiner (Notropis spectrunculus) | Uncommon |
| Mottled Sculpin (Cottus bairdii) | Common |
| Mountain Brook Lamprey (Ichthyomyzon greeleyi) | Rare |
| Northern Hog Sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) | Common |
| Northern Studfish (Fundulus catenatus) | Unknown |
| Olive Darter (Percina squamata) | Rare |
| Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) | Common |
| Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus) | Uncommon |
| Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) | Rare |
| Redline Darter (Etheostoma rufilineatum) | Common |
| River Chub (Nocomis micropogon) | Common |
| River Redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum) | Rare |
| Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) | Common |
| Rosyside Dace (Clinostomus funduloides) | Uncommon |
| Saffron Shiner (Notropis rubricroceus) | Common |
| Sauger (Sander canadensis) | Unknown |
| Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) | Rare |
| Sicklefin Redhorse (Moxostoma sp. 1) | Rare |
| Silver Shiner (Notropis photogenis) | Rare |
| Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) | Common |
| Smallmouth Redhorse (Moxostoma breviceps) | Rare |
| Smoky Dace (Clinostomus sp. 1) | Rare |
| Smoky Madtom (Noturus baileyi) | Rare |
| Snubnose Darter (Etheostoma simoterum) | Uncommon |
| Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) | Rare |
| Striped Shiner (Luxilus chrysocephalus) | Rare |
| Swannanoa Darter (Etheostoma swannanoa) | Rare |
| Tangerine Darter (Percina aurantiaca) | Rare |
| Telescope Shiner (Notropis telescopus) | Uncommon |
| Tennessee Dace (Chrosomus tennesseensis) | Rare |
| Tennessee Shiner (Notropis leuciodus) | Common |
| Tennessee Snubnose Darter (Etheostoma tennesseense) | Uncommon |
| Tuckasegee Darter (Etheostoma gutselli) | Unknown |
| Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) | Rare |
| Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) | Rare |
| Warpaint Shiner (Luxilus coccogenis) | Common |
| Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) | Rare |
| White Bass (Morone chrysops) | Unknown |
| White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) | Uncommon |
| Whitetail Shiner (Cyprinella galactura) | Uncommon |
| Wounded Darter (Etheostoma vulneratum) | Unknown |
| Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) | Rare |
| Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) | Unknown |
| Yellowfin Madtom (Noturus flavipinnis) | Rare |
Note: The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.
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