According to TWRA, alligators normally live in states further south, but are naturally migrating into Tennessee. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirms an alligator sighting at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. Answer 1 of 11: Alligator or crocodile has been spotted in the Little Pigeon River. This disease is nasty, it attacks the brain of the animal. Given some time, alligators can build up some body mass and fat reserve to help them withstand some of the cold, but exceptionally harsh winters will take their toll on reptile populations. They don't like the cold, so they will stop foraging if the temperature drops below 68 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit. They are susceptible to feline disease. Alligators have been seen in downtown Memphis and other cities in Tennessee, including Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown. However, the animals didnt live for a very long time as the weather got too cold in each case. Not long ago, a seven-foot-longalligatorwas found in the Wolf River in western Tennessee. Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and blow through your tongue so it vibrates. Alligators are opportunistic feeders who prey on turtles, snakes, frogs, water birds, and fish. Alligators are a protected species in Tennessee, and you may not catch or hunt them unless you have been issued a permit. They're in West Tennessee and TWRA said they're not likely to migrate to East Tennessee. Wild boars can be very aggressive, not to mention disease-ridden. One was spotted just outside Memphis in Fayette County. "There's probably single digits of alligators in the state and in West Tennessee, so it's highly unlikely that you'll encounter one," said Matt Cameron with TWRA. Alligators are rarely found south of the Rio Grande drainage. While many species around the world are in danger of going extinct and are seeing their natural ranges collapse, others are being reintroduced to areas they once roamed (like how wolves are set to be reintroduced into Colorado). They are related to black bears though, but they are the larger and grumpier relative. Avoiding getting too close to any bodies of water during the dark is advisable. The Americanalligatorlives in slow-moving, freshwater rivers, as well as swamps, lakes, and marshes. Although this is a list of dangerous animals in Tennessee, remember that people and wildlife usually co-exist happily. They can carry many diseases which could be passed on to people. A list of dangerous animals in Tennessee may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of this great state. Did you know, some black bears can grow to seven feet in length and weigh over seven hundred pounds? Priscilla Presley Shares Emotional Post On Lisa Marie's Birthday, Alligators Are In Tennessee Now & Heres Video Evidence, Dukes Of Hazzard Car Driven By Cast Members Has Been Totaled, Tom Sizemores Manager Releases Upsetting Update On His Condition, Austin Butler Called A True Gentleman For Helping Winners Up Steps At SAG Awards, Actor Who Plays Jamie On Yellowstone Addresses Rumors Of Behind-The-Scenes Drama, Meet William Bill France Sr., The Father Of NASCAR And Racing Legend, Georgia Woman Arrested For Purposely Crashing Into Popeyes Restaurant, Meet The Actress Who Plays Young Beth On Yellowstone. In 2015, we had a cougar show up that we were able to confirm with hard evidence was actually a cougar and was actually in our state explained Sweaney. In recent years, only a handful of alligators have been sighted in eastern Tennessee (usually escaped pets). The consensus is that several of them found their way north up the Tennessee River instead. Shiver! Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states. Although they are among the most dangerous animals in Tennessee, being killed by a snake is not as common as many think. So, yes, alligators can be found in Tennessee! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Alligators are opportunistic feeders that prey on fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, and waterfowl. Stay calm and get medical help. Mountain lions do live in Tennessee although the population has dwindled. Kinda expanding their range back into where they once were.. if you spot a bear in the distance, avoid it turn around or find another route. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Alligators seldom leave their nests unattended and are fiercely protective, so stay as far away as possible, especially during nesting season in June. The one discovered in March was just the latest of several confirmed sightings of alligators in the southwestern part of the state, TWRA said. If you are bitten by one of these you can experience some rather nasty symptoms, although we can reassure you (somewhat) that they are unlikely to kill a human. In 2015 there were three confirmed cougar sightings in West Tennessee - the first in over 100 years. The grizzly has a short temper and is more likely to kill a human than their slightly smaller relative. If you are approached by a bear do not run. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The Everglades are also the southern extreme of their range, and they are usually smaller in South Florida. Grizzly bears are brown bears and seeing as only black bears are known to live in this state it is safe to say that people will not encounter a grizzly here. They measure between two and three feet in length. Sometimes possums, raccoons, and deer - people are not normally on their dinner menu. Alligators are pretty scarce, even in the northern parts of Georgia and Alabama. Alligators prefer to do much of their hunting during the night and are also more active during the transitional periods between day and night. Alligatorsare most active when the outdoor temperature is around 82 to 92 degrees. Now the gators can survive the winters in Tennessee by going into a sort of hibernation-like dormancy. It is illegal to capture or kill alligators in Tennessee, so if you encounter an alligator, it is best to alert authorities and keep a safe distance if they are likely to threaten the lives of people or animals. Although, TWRA thought the alligator captured Tuesday in East Tennessee was released or escaped from captivity since it was not found near water. One of the main things to know about Alligators is that they like it warm. Alligators and cougars are protected by state laws in Tennessee" In the past four years, the TWRA says there have been ten cougar sightings. 5 More answers below Ray Stewart TWRA has not stocked any alligators in Tennessee. Recently, alligators have been seen more regularly within the Wolf and Loosahatchie rivers and can be found in McKellar Lake. Uh-huh. They can be longer than a copperhead and the longest ever recorded was just over six feet! When the summer months arrive, and alligators thrive, they seek more territory to breed and may head up rivers or walk at night. There are no alligators in Nashville, Tennessee. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Are there alligators in Memphis Tennessee? While the number of alligators living in Tennessee is increasing, the likelihood of significant, sustained populations of alligators isnt very high. There are only two species of poisonous spider in Tennessee (considering there are over forty-five thousand species of spider in the entire world this isnt so bad). The links on the website are in affiliation with Amazon Associates worldwide and we earn a small commission for qualifying purchases. The Agency says not to panic though because the number of alligators in Tennessee is very low and they are expanding slowly so its highly unlikely youll see one anytime soon. Wolves were native to the Smoky Mountains many years ago but no longer make it their home. And this was just the latest in a handful of confirmed alligator sightings in the state. No. If you had to choose between encountering a black bear and a grizzly, then pick a black bear. The alligators in Tennessee are unaccustomed to the presence of humans and will not have started associating people with food sources. While not as fast as the fastest land animal the cheetah, mountain lions can run up to 50mph. Not long ago, a seven-foot-long alligator was found in the Wolf River in western Tennessee. It is important to remember that alligators are naturally carnivorous and opportunistic and that they will instinctively go for smaller prey. If humans encroach on their territory they could come to check them out. They will not eat but instead seek shelter and wait. If you want to try and see an elk roaming around the Smoky Mountains you may spot one on elk cam here a much safer prospect. There are two species of alligator alive today - the American alligator and the Chinese alligator (which is threatened with extinction). TWRA has not stocked any alligators in Tennessee. In some instances, people may have decided to adopt an alligator as a pet before realizing how big they become, how expensive it would be to feed them, and how dangerous they can be to their family and pets. Are there alligators in the lakes of Tennessee? Final Thoughts On Alligators In Tennessee, people keep their distance from alligators, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). They are fantastic jumpers too, even being able to jump 8 feet. Apart from the domesticated feline which can be found everywhere. The many symptoms of a bite from this poisonous pest include: Actually, the most common victims of the female black widow spider bite are their male counterparts. It may come as a surprise to many, but the word "alligator" comes from the Spanish term "el lagarto", meaning "the lizard". In March, a seven-foot alligator was spotted in West Tennessee's Fayette County. In New Jersey, law enforcement continue to look for one that got loose. But do alligators live in Tennessee (a nearby state that borders Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas)? People ask this all the time. All rights reserved. They do not view humans as food, so only bite when they feel attacked. Still, according to wildlife experts, their continued presence is unlikely. In the United States, less than ten people are killed every year from snake bites. Alligatorshave made appearances in states even more to the north than Tennessee- as far north as New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and Illinois! breathing restrictions with, in severe cases, arrested breathing, feelings of numbness in parts of the body. Alligators are a protected specices, therefore caching or shooting one is against the law. 7 Most Dangerous Animals in Tennessee: Deadliest Wildlife, Top 7 Most Dangerous Animals in Belize: Wildlife Explored, Snorkeling Sanibel Island: The 7 Best Spots for 2023. Breakdown: Why alligators are expanding their territories into the Mid-South, Woman accused of driving into home, killing former pro basketball player Galen Young granted diversion, Severe thunderstorms possible tonight and tomorrow, Tuesday evening forecast from Chief Meteorologist Ron Childers-February 28, 2023. Alligators have been reported to be moving north according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA). Alligators first appeared around 37 million years ago. "It's highly unlikely that they will," said Cameron. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states.Alligators are opportunistic feeders that prey on fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, and waterfowl. Clearly, it would be best not to come across bears in the first place so: There is a wild elk population in Tennessee thanks to a reintroduction programme in 2001. Posted by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wrote, Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. Click here: WZTV FOX 17/Nashville The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirms an alligator sighting at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. There are no black panthers in the state of Tennessee. Except for federally protected and game . As parts of the country get warmer, alligators are able to survive there, where before, they were not able to thrive before. Human beings are not on the menu for alligators, who prefer to eat fish, snakes, frogs, birds, turtles, and small mammals, including raccoons and deer. Up in the Sugarland Mountain Trail or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, mountain hikers are spoilt for choice. They live in the subtropical and tropical freshwater wetlands of the United States and are iconic wildlife of the marshes, cypress swamps, and other waterways. Perched on the roughly 500-mile-triangulated region of the mythical Mojo Triangle, Nashville, TN has long been a musical hotspot with a focus on rhythm and soul.The Mojo Triangle is a geographic destination where the harmonies of the Natchez, Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes converged with both the tempo and staccato of enslaved Africans and the lyricism and instrumentation of Europeans. Can You Kill An Alligator In Tennessee. More:TWRA confirms reptile captured in Monroe County is a gator, More:5 critters you might not expect in Tennessee (but are here anyway). Wildlife experts say that in recent years, they are seeing more alligator sightings in the Volunteer State. 2nd suspect . Note that alligators are protected, so shooting or catching them is illegal. In Obion and Humphreys County, images of the animals were captured on game cams. While these animals do not cause an immediate threat, wildlife experts are keeping a close eye on their migration habits. Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has confirmed alligator sightings in Tennessee are true. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. If you come across one while exploring the outdoors in West TN, leave it alone and enjoy Tennessees unique biodiversity. The winters in Tennessee are too harsh for the species to establish a permanent population, and their distribution will likely be limited. American alligators are typically less aggressive to people compared to other crocodile species of a similar size (Nile and saltwater crocodiles are more dangerous). Roadside alligator attractions used to be a novelty adventure reserved for vacations to Florida, but now the reptiles are finding their way here. Black panther is the term given to any species of the cat family that is black, or melanistic. Strangely, alligators have actually been spotted in the state of Kentucky to the north. 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