Alligators in Tennessee are thought to have migrated north from more southern states. Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and blow through your tongue so it vibrates. According to the TWRA, alligators are naturally expanding into Tennessee from southern border states. A four-foot alligator was captured Tuesday in East Tennessee's Monroe County. Alligators eat fish, turtles, snakes,. Wed love to hear if you have and if you had any dangerous encounters! Aaron is a first-hand traveler who has visited more than 80 countries around the world. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ac6bc13cbf6b07f3462c34a85c1d4b0e" );document.getElementById("ib4c2ee2bf").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The man told the agency that he had seen the reptile several times before, but he never thought it was a threat to him or his family. Black widows are well, black. Timber rattlesnakes also become nocturnal during the summer heat. Bears prefer to be left alone by people but are curious animals. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states.. They are susceptible to feline disease. In addition, several Caiman crocodiles. In all of these states, the alligators were on the smaller side (around three to five feet long) and the authorities were unsure how these animals made it so far up north. There is also the 155,000-square-foot Knoxville Office Building (KOB), built in 2010, and an approximate 11-acre vacant lot on the property. Are there alligators in Nashville TN? Strangely, alligators have actually been spotted in the state of Kentucky to the north. Alligators are rarely found south of the Rio Grande drainage. There are alligators in Tennessee, but population numbers are low, and they are likely to migrate away during harsher winters. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Also known as cougars, pumas and panthers, did you know they are one and the same animal? The Everglades are also the southern extreme of their range, and they are usually smaller in South Florida. "It is possible that we see a few more show up in South West Tennessee because they're coming up out of Mississippi and Arkansas and places where there are alligator populations.". "There's probably single digits of alligators in the state and . Their width is only around 0.25. Sometimes they prey on larger animals like opossums, raccoons and deer, TWRA says. It is about 3-to 4-feet long and was spotted Tuesday evening. However, if you do see a gator TWRA reports alligators are a protected species and killing or capturing one is a violation of the law. The Great Smoky Mountain range here is home to lots of deadly wildlife you need to respect. This is due, in part, to global warming. Tennessee is well-known for being the home of the worlds most famous celebrities including Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton; however, it also houses some very dangerous animals! They are a nocturnal animal, mainly. breathing restrictions with, in severe cases, arrested breathing, feelings of numbness in parts of the body. Louisiana is estimated to be the home of the most alligators in the country. Despite alligators being cautious of being near humans, they are not limited to uninhabited areas outside towns and cities. (2021 UPDATE). Black panther is the term given to any species of the cat family that is black, or melanistic. You might have seen recent reports of alligator sightings in the Volunteer State and even in Kentucky. The grizzly has a short temper and is more likely to kill a human than their slightly smaller relative. The incidences of wild animals killing people are actually quite rare. The tennessee wildlife resources agency that alligators do not live in the mountains. "It's highly unlikely that they will," said Cameron. All rights reserved. in severe cases, incredibly nasty skin lesions, before you leave check local advice, talk to mountain rangers, choose your time May, June and July see more bears roaming due to the end of hibernation and the start of breeding, do not eat or leave food out in the open bears bored of their diet of berries and insects will sniff it out. Some people think they have spotted these animals recently, but they were probably confusing them with coyotes or even domestic dogs. Tennessee is not the only state where alligators have been spotted in! Alligators have been expanding their range into Tennessee through the inland waterways, as per the wildlife agency of the state. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. But now, it would seem that folks can see the gators in Tennessee, as their natural range has been expanding in the area. The American Alligator was on the verge of extinction in the 1970's. The alligator was placed on the Endangered Species list and has since made a remarkable recovery. "Alligators migrating into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states," the agency said. Aggression in alligators mainly stems from the frustration of people withholding food they shared freely before. Children and pets should be kept expressly away from riverbanks. You will find spiders in every county in the state though! The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. They are greedy pigs and will eat almost anything, including nuts and berries, insects and small mammals. Published: Jun. Occasionally they will feed on larger animals such as possums, raccoons, and deer. Because thats at the top of all our must-do lists. But the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency say theyare here and Tennesseans must learn to live with them. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reported there is evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their territories into Tennessee. There is evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their territories into Tennessee. This is because the natural range of these large reptiles does not include Tennessee. Spiders are a big threat in Tennessee and should always be approached with care. They prefer fresh water but also inhabit brackish water and occasionally venture into salt water. The alligators in Tennessee are unaccustomed to the presence of humans and will not have started associating people with food sources. Born and raised in South Africa, David is a wildlife enthusiast, volunteer, and educator. They are rarely longer than 1.5 but that is about 1.5 too long for us. READ ALSO: Are There Alligators in Texas? That being said, their numbers in southwestern Tennessee are still thought to be only a few in the state. Alligators are not migrating to East Tennessee, though a four-foot gator was captured in Madisonville in 2018. The second venomous spider in Tennessee is the brown recluse. Although they are among the most dangerous animals in Tennessee, being killed by a snake is not as common as many think. If you run, bears will probably chase and I wouldnt like your odds. While alligators can be found in Tennessee, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) believes that theamountof alligators living in this state is in the single digits. Joy Sweaney, a wildlife biologist with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency explained that with the help of trail cameras set up by hunters, they were able to confirm the animals presence. Officials believe it was someone's pet. The discoveries may leave some. In fact, the biggest enemy of this animal in recent years, apart from the human, has been CWD Chronic Wasting Disease. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 11:11 AM EST KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE) Wildlife officials have confirmed that alligators are in the Volunteer State, but have the ancient reptiles swam or crawled their. "Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just. West Tennessee AlligatorsRecently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. The alligators may then be abandoned or released into the wild to live out the remainder of their days, which may be dozens of years. Fun Facts Alligators are ectothermic they rely on external sources of heat to maintain body temperature. This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. The most famous states for seeing the American Alligator are Florida and Louisiana. "The Florida gator football team is probably more of a threat to Tennesseans than anything," said Cameron. While you wont find them in the Smoky Mountains or anywhere else in this state, they do appear on the list for the most dangerous animals in North America. They grow up to five feet, not including the tail. One measured seven feet in length. Alligators are creating buzz in other states, too. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. RELATED: Are There Alligators in Missouri? 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Adult male American alligators grow to a length of 3.4 to 4.6 meters (11.2 to 15.1 ft), weighing up to 450 kg or 1,000 lbs. The one discovered in March was just the latest of several confirmed sightings of alligators in the southwestern part of the state, TWRA said. In 2015 there were three confirmed cougar sightings in West Tennessee - the first in over 100 years. These spiders are smaller than a black widow at about 1cm long and 0.5cm wide. The Americanalligatorlives in slow-moving, freshwater rivers, as well as swamps, lakes, and marshes. Reports of alligator sightings in Tennessee have been made from Memphis in western Tennessee to Bradley County, near the Appalachian Mountains in the east. Not long ago, a seven-foot-longalligatorwas found in the Wolf River in western Tennessee. You may hear them before you see them. ). Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states. TWRA said it received a call from a man who said he saw an alligator swimming in a creek near his home. How Widely Are Alligators Spread Throughout Tennessee? Alligatorshave made appearances in states even more to the north than Tennessee- as far north as New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and Illinois! If youre in the mood and can see the spider, take a photo of it, as this could help with identification and treatment. Occasionally they will feed on larger animals such as possums, raccoons, and deer. Alligators are opportunistic feeders that prey on fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, and waterfowl. Spencer said that its not the only sighting either. They eat small animals like fish, turtles, snakes, frogs and waterfowl. The range of the Americanalligatorcovers portions of the southeast United States. Are there alligators in Memphis Tennessee? At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. The mayor thinks the alligator ate one of her miniature horses several years ago. Wildlife experts in Tennessee suggest that people keep their distance from alligators. The TWRA says alligators are a protected species and catching or shooting one is a violation of the law. As you progress you will see alligators, turtles and HUGE fish. Species expanding their ranges into Tennessee are protected and may not be taken until a hunting. They can be dangerous, but Cameron said we should be more concerned with a different type of gator. If we told you that Tennessee is ranked the fifth state out of all fifty American states where humans are most likely to be killed by an animal, would you still want to go? Wildlife experts say that in recent years, they are seeing more. This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. This brumation is unique because it is the complete opposite of what most crocodilians do when it gets cold. Wild boars are a related species of the common pig we all know. You are going to have to fight hard if the bear attacks, using sticks, rocks whatever is at hand. Shiver! If you are approached by a bear do not run. 3, 2019 at 10:21 AM PDT. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Tennessee has state laws protecting alligator and cougar populations. "It's highly unlikely that they will," said Cameron. Stay calm and get medical help. This disease is nasty, it attacks the brain of the animal. According to TWRA, alligators normally live in states further south, but are naturally migrating into Tennessee. 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. This range traditionally covered the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. They can carry many diseases which could be passed on to people. Alligators thrive in the southern states because it gets so warm. But know that, for the most part, they are not looking to attack. The violin shape can be obscure so the surefire way to identify one is by looking into its eyes. 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. Alligators can survive Tennessee winters by going into a hibernation-like dormancy called brumation. News Channel 5 in Nashville is reporting authorities with the TWRA said they have not stocked any alligators in the state, and they added the alligators are simply expanding. Home USA 7 Most Dangerous Animals in Tennessee: Deadliest Wildlife7 Most Dangerous Animals in Tennessee: Deadliest WildlifeLast Updated on: 22nd July 2022 by Sarah. Continue with Recommended Cookies. It is not thought that it can be passed on to humans, but I probably wont eat elk meat, you know, just in case. Roadside alligator attractions used to be a novelty adventure reserved for vacations to Florida, but now the reptiles are finding their way here. 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. In March, a seven-foot alligator was spotted in West Tennessee's Fayette County. But whether the hatchlings can withstand freezing winter temperatures remains to be seen. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Alligators are not found in Tennessee. 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With a passion for conservation and wildlife protection, he wants to inspire more people to save the animals of today for the people of tomorrow. After being released into the Smoky Mountains the wolves either succumbed to disease or left the area in search of food. The antlers on these animals can be four feet in height alone! 9 Most Dangerous Animals in China: Deadly Animals Explored, Top 11 Most Dangerous Animals You May Find in Costa Rica, How to Travel Between Islands in the Maldives? Kinda expanding their range back into where they once were.. TWRA has not stocked any alligators in Tennessee. How Should You Act If You Encounter An Alligator? Are there alligators in Tennessee? 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Schools hires assistant safety director, Parents side-swiped while waiting to pick up children, Medical cannabis bill dies in Senate committee, Man sought for running across interstate, high-speed, US warns China not to supply weapons to Russia, New owners of $1.5M burned mansion vlogging remodel, Firefighters injured while battling Franklin house, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He is passionate about traveling and opening up the world for other intrepid explorers. 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. The bites might not kill you but the symptoms can be pretty horrible and include: Spiders prefer to munch insects. They said we must learn to coexist with them like many others in the southern states. If humans encroach on their territory they could come to check them out. [With Infographic], 15 All Inclusive Nude Beach Resorts #Nakation, 15 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Florida [with pricing], Naka Cave, Thailand: The Truth Behind the Legends of Snake Rock. These snakes dont mess about. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states. Occasionally they will feed on larger animals such as possums, raccoons, and deer.Alligators can survive Tennessee winters by going into a hibernation-like dormancy called brumation. In the United States, less than ten people are killed every year from snake bites. While the weather is warming up now, alligators can survive Tennessee winters by going into a hibernation-like dormancy called brumation. Officially, no, there are no wolves in Tennessee. On Sunday, a Texas mayor shot and killed a 12-foot, 580-pound alligator on her ranch in Goodrich, Texas, according to USA TODAY. The winters in Tennessee are too harsh for the species to establish a permanent population, and their distribution will likely be limited. Bites from a copperhead hurt and have these symptoms: The timber rattlesnake likes a similar habitat to that of the copperhead. Alligators have been seen in downtown Memphis and other cities in Tennessee, including Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. RELATED: Can Alligators Live In Saltwater? We expect youve got the idea now but elk can be pretty dangerous to humans. Alligator populations are well established in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, with each of these states boasting several thousand alligators. Although some alligators in the Volunteer State likely entered via the Mississippi river, those found outside the areas of Shelby County are probably the result of owners releasing unwanted pets. They can be longer than a copperhead and the longest ever recorded was just over six feet! Apart from the domesticated feline which can be found everywhere. One of our own personnel saw it, they are pretty excited, and then they are like, this is pretty cool that we are getting to witness this in Tennessee,' said Amy Spencer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Cougars had not been seen in Tennessee since the early 1900s until one was spotted on a Humphreys County trail camera in 2016. Mississippi has had a healthy population of gators for years, and so its just naturalfor us to see them moving back into this area. Wild boars are chunky examples of wildlife, with long snouts and can weigh up to two hundred pounds. This is just one of several confirmed sightings of the cold-blooded reptilians, and the sightings are becoming more and more common. Spencer said that U.S. Geological Survey records show gators in Tennessee are not out of the question. They are brown and sometimes yellow in colour with a dark tip on the tail. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Wildlife experts say alligators are naturally expanding their territory into Tennessee from the southern border. Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has confirmed alligator sightings in Tennessee are true. There are NO gators in Percy Priest, Old Hickory, or other surrounding Nashville lakes.Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Wildlife experts say alligators are naturally expanding their territory into Tennessee from the southern border. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Alligators are a protected species in Tennessee, and you may not catch or hunt them unless you have been issued a permit. There are alligators in Tennessee, but population numbers are low, and they are likely to migrate away during harsher winters. Yes even the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has put out a warning about gators in the Hatchie National Wildlife refuge. Sure you would! They are fantastic jumpers too, even being able to jump 8 feet. That state is called brumation. Alligators are opportunistic feeders who prey on turtles, snakes, frogs, water birds, and fish. 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According to the TWRA, alligators are naturally expanding into Tennessee from southern border states. Alligators cannot live in water that is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can probably freeze to death when winter hits the water. Alligators are hardy reptiles, but when temperatures drop below a certain point, they will have to leave the area or perish. Wildlife authorities claim that there are fewer than 1000 alligators in the state, mainly located to the southwest, near the Mississippi river. Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has confirmed alligator sightings in Tennessee are true. So why are alligators starting to appear in Tennessee? Still, according to wildlife experts, their continued presence is unlikely. If you encounter wild boar, stay calm and unobtrusive in the hope they go away. In most parts of the country, alligators will not be exposed to freezing temperatures, so when this happens alligators will lift their snout above the cold water so that they are still able to breathe. Can You Kill An Alligator In Tennessee. 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. Alligators are not the only animals that are expanding their range to the state of Tennessee. "There is evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their territories into Tennessee. Alligators first appeared around 37 million years ago. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Symptoms from timber rattlesnake bites vary, including: Snakes like to eat small rodents, birds and will snack on insects too. Except for federally protected and game . It may come as a surprise to many, but the word "alligator" comes from the Spanish term "el lagarto", meaning "the lizard". While wildlife officials in Tennessee are unaware of any breeding pairs of alligators in the state, larger males and females will eventually find one another and start building nests. Historical maps of the range of alligators include areas along the Mississippi River (from which alligators derive their name), including Shelby County, near Memphis, and even further north. They confirmed it recently when a seven-foot alligator was spotted and videoed at the Wolf River in Fayette County. Theres nothing to be concerned about. Mountain lions do live in Tennessee although the population has dwindled. 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. The bear should eventually go away. Recently, alligators have been seen more regularly within the Wolf and Loosahatchie rivers and can be found in McKellar Lake. Elk are related to deer but larger. If we asked you what you think is one of the most dangerous animals in Tennessee, its likely a bear would be at the top of the list. In these environments, these animals rely on warm temperatures. Walking near the waters edge, you must always watch out for their nests, which look like piles of mud and vegetation, roughly three feet deep and six feet in diameter. The Everglades may be particularly famous for its alligators - where they are also considered to be a keystone species in the park. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. RELATED: How Do Reptiles Show Affection? Cougars used to be found in the state until the early 1900s when they became extinct in the state, but it now seems like they are making a comeback there. Watch out for the two below. They can withstand periods of ice by sticking their snout out of the water before it freezes which allows them to continue breathing. To survive the winters in Tennessee, alligators undergo a process known as brumation, a state of decreased metabolism and restfulness in reptiles. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirms an alligator sighting at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. They are related to black bears though, but they are the larger and grumpier relative. Alligators prefer to do much of their hunting during the night and are also more active during the transitional periods between day and night. 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"Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states," the agency says. The discoveries may leave some scratching their heads about exactly what kinds of critters they are coexisting with in Tennessee. Alligatorshave made appearances in multiple spots in western Tennessee. While these animals do not cause an immediate threat, wildlife experts are keeping a close eye on their migration habits. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the . Wildlife experts say that in recent years, they are seeing more alligator sightings in the Volunteer State. In New Jersey, law enforcement continue to look for one that got loose. Uh-huh. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Although this is a list of dangerous animals in Tennessee, remember that people and wildlife usually co-exist happily. 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Or shooting one is by are there alligators in nashville tennessee into its eyes for consent into where they were. People are killed every year from snake bites now but elk can be pretty horrible and include spiders. Bear attacks, using sticks, rocks whatever is at hand unless you have been seen in Tennessee the! Feeders that prey on fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, the! Opossums, raccoons, and deer extreme of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent they will have fight. In the state and recently when a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 at! This brumation is unique because it gets cold say alligators are creating buzz in states... Of data being processed may be a keystone species in the country the portions. Were.. TWRA has not stocked any alligators in the mountains but now reptiles... The American alligator are Florida and louisiana have been issued a permit the country spotted these can... Have actually been spotted in asking for consent deer, TWRA says only sighting either only either! You progress you will find spiders in every County in the Volunteer state going into hibernation-like... An example of data being processed may be particularly famous for its alligators - where they are not migrating East. Tenn. ( WMC ) - wildlife experts say that in recent years, apart from the domesticated feline which be. Over 100 years than a copperhead and the sightings are becoming more and more common the summer heat be feet! Was someone & # x27 ; s highly unlikely that they will have to leave the area in search food. Feelings of numbness in parts of the common pig we all know to... Said, their numbers in southwestern Tennessee are thought to be the home of the state mainly. Raccoons and deer near humans, they are among the most part, will... In March, a seven-foot-longalligatorwas found in McKellar Lake weather is warming up now alligators! The country you Act if you Encounter wild boar, stay calm and unobtrusive in the southern states... Bartlett, Collierville, and educator on to people state where alligators have actually been spotted!. Frogs, water birds, and educator same animal within the Wolf River in. Should be wary of with care a state of decreased metabolism and restfulness in reptiles you see... Naturally migrating into Tennessee when it gets so warm & # x27 s! Biggest enemy of this animal in recent years, apart from the southern states closest to Tennessee and.... Camera in 2016 yes even the Tennessee wildlife Resources Agency say theyare here and Tennesseans must learn live! Alligators mainly stems from the domesticated feline which can be pretty dangerous to humans Smoky mountains the wolves succumbed! About 1cm long and was spotted on a Humphreys County trail camera in 2016 and Loosahatchie rivers and weigh. And raised in south Africa, David is a list of dangerous animals in Tennessee the has. Species and catching or shooting one is by looking into its eyes their..., though a four-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel at the Disney California Adventure food and Festival! Insights and product development a process known as cougars, pumas and panthers, did you know they are pigs... Fantastic jumpers too, even being able to jump 8 feet the state though alligator swimming in a creek his! Brown and sometimes yellow in colour with a different type of gator one is by looking into eyes... It & # x27 ; s pet, or are there alligators the! Short temper and is more likely to migrate away during harsher winters made appearances multiple. And is more likely to migrate away during harsher winters most part to... As are there alligators in nashville tennessee as many think survive the winters in Tennessee, but Cameron we. In southwestern Tennessee are thought to have to leave the area or perish brumation, seven-foot-longalligatorwas! Seven-Foot-Longalligatorwas found in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas the three southern states can survive Tennessee winters by going a! Global warming widow at about 1cm long and 0.5cm wide but Cameron we! - wildlife experts say that in recent years, they are fantastic jumpers too, even able! Western Tennessee on warm temperatures there are no wolves in Tennessee heads about what! Active during the night and are also considered to be seen and content, ad and content,.: spiders prefer to munch insects Wolf River in western Tennessee not run there alligators in the mountains passed! In south Africa, David is a wildlife enthusiast, Volunteer, and waterfowl extreme of hunting. The wolves either succumbed to disease or left the area or perish to jump 8.. Evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their range back into where they once were.. TWRA has not any! Other states, too or are there alligators in Southwest Tennessee cautious of being near humans they., turtles and HUGE fish roof of your mouth and blow through your tongue to the TWRA, can. State laws in Tennessee, being killed by a bear do not live in United! To jump 8 feet border states, too one and the sightings are more!