Franklin Tennessee Wildlife... As Close As Your Own Backyard

Franklin, TN Wildlife:

I see bunnies nearly every morning, nibbling on my grass and occasionally my flowers.  They’re the norm, as are birds and squirrels...  they’re a dime a dozen, right?  

Well, last summer while my parents were visiting for a week in July (they are my witnesses), we looked out back and to our surprise... a deer!  Yes, it was the strangest thing.  How she managed to find her way behind my property is beyond me, but there she was.  Haven’t seen her since, but it was quite the sight. 

Since then, I look hoping to see more deer, but to no avail.  However, I was driving downtown around the square one day and spotted an entire family of deer in an abandoned parking lot near an old cemetery.  Very odd.

About a month ago I was fixing breakfast in the kitchen and noticed something out of the corner of my eye.  I thought it was a dog running along the back of my property fence, but I took a second glance and I couldn’t believe it…a fox!  Of all things... bushy tail, thin reddish body, pointed ears. There was no doubt.  I’ve seen him several times since, and a couple neighbors have even spotted him roaming our street.  He apparently lives behind my house somewhere.

Yesterday, I was getting ready for church and saw something in my bathroom mirror, which reflects the window looking out back.  I thought I saw a herring, but didn’t have my glasses on.  I threw them on and turned for another look and there he was... a big ol' turkey!  It was the craziest thing.  He was all alone, but I have no idea where he came from.  I have seen groups of wild turkeys down Franklin Road from time to time, but in big open fields with tree lines.  Not this time…

This morning, I saw another wild animal.  But I couldn’t get a good look at his tail, so I’m not sure if it was a beaver or a groundhog.  Regardless, what a strange place to see the little guy.

I have a pond in my backyard and wonder if maybe the sound of the waterfall attracts animals. I don’t know.  But I do know this:  Every day, I feel blessed to live here.  And I’m reminded so often of Franklin’s beauty and character in the little things. 

If Franklin is on your list of places to visit or potentially live, you can’t ignore the incredible value of both convenience and serenity in the same place.  It’s amazing!

RELATED:

Non-Game Wildlife In Tennessee - Fun facts about frogs & toads of Tennessee, as well as salamanders and snakes that call Tennessee home. Lots of info about Tennessee birds, plus endangered species and more.

Tennessee Wildlife Magazine - read more about Tennessee's wildlife in print.

Tennessee Wildlife Extravaganza - Don't miss it July 18-20, 2008 at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park in Franklin, TN. This event is hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation.