I have lived in Shelby County, Tennessee all of my life and have watched the animal population changing from the 1960s until now.
What we have now that I never saw back then:
- Lots of deer all over the place - even in suburban areas.
- Armadillos
- Coyotes
- Fire ants
- Bears? Mountain Lions? (may be on the way)
What I used to see, but hardly ever see any more:
- Rabbits
Where did all the bunnies go? Long time passing...
The coyotes are eating the rabbits. When the deer start disappearing you might want to be armed on walks in the woods. A large predator is doing it.
You answered your own question:
Coyotes
Bears
Mountain Lions
Any bobcats in the area- around here, they'll take rabbits. And don't forget the hawks and other raptors.