Fortunately, American alligators are listed as 'Least Concern' in terms of conservation status. Tennessee has state laws protecting alligator and cougar populations. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Watch out for the two below. Wildlife experts say that in recent years, they are seeing more. Still, according to wildlife experts, their continued presence is unlikely. Despite alligators being cautious of being near humans, they are not limited to uninhabited areas outside towns and cities. West Tennessee AlligatorsRecently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. A member of a local kayak fishing club put pictures up last week of a smallish 3 ft one in the backwaters of Pickwick lake. 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Alligators are found in the southeastern United States, including Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Alligators are hardy reptiles, but when temperatures drop below a certain point, they will have to leave the area or perish. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. Click here: WZTV FOX 17/Nashville Alligators are one of the top attractions in Florida's Everglades National Park (another notable resident is the elusive and rare Florida panther). Sometimes possums, raccoons, and deer - people are not normally on their dinner menu. They don't like the cold, so they will stop foraging if the temperature drops below 68 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit. This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. Sure you would! Alligators and crocodiles have a very long fourth tooth. They are rarely longer than 1.5 but that is about 1.5 too long for us. Theres nothing to be concerned about. Except for federally protected and game . The consensus is that several of them found their way north up the Tennessee River instead. The grizzly has a short temper and is more likely to kill a human than their slightly smaller relative. Around five incidents have been reported each year, with around 23 deaths since 1948. Sometimes they prey on larger animals like opossums, raccoons and deer, TWRA says. 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. Cougar sightings in Tennessee 5 years ago; are they making a comeback? While the weather is warming up now, alligators can survive Tennessee winters by going into a hibernation-like dormancy called brumation. Wild boars are chunky examples of wildlife, with long snouts and can weigh up to two hundred pounds. There was a failed attempt to reintroduce the red wolf to the area in 1991. As parts of the country get warmer, alligators are able to survive there, where before, they were not able to thrive before. They eat small animals like fish, turtles, snakes, frogs and waterfowl. In older snakes, there might be small dark spots on the light parts of their bodies. All rights reserved. Strangely, alligators have actually been spotted in the state of Kentucky to the north. Their bellies could be white or cream, and the males have longer tails. And so, over the course of the next year, pretty much from September 2015 to September 2016, there were 10 cougar sightings that we were able to verify, and we believe that that was the one same cougar.. Alligators are opportunistic feeders that prey on fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, and waterfowl. More:Breathtaking video shows how alligators survive in a frozen North Carolina pond, More:Great-grandmother kills 12-foot gator with one shot; she thinks it ate her miniature horse. One of the main things to know about Alligators is that they like it warm. One of four species of venomous snakes in Tennessee (they are also found in Oklahoma), the copperhead has a distinctive copper colour head and a light brown body with darker bands of brown along the length. He can be reached on Instagram at aaronspray. Wild boars are a related species of the common pig we all know. Published: Jun. The Mississippi Delta is home to Alligator Alley where you can get up close and personal with the reptiles. While not as fast as the fastest land animal the cheetah, mountain lions can run up to 50mph. 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. But know that, for the most part, they are not looking to attack. Most of the time, members of the crocodilian family (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials) will get out of the water and try to bask in the sun when they get cold. In March, a seven-foot alligator was spotted in West Tennessee's Fayette County. Final Thoughts On Alligators In Tennessee, people keep their distance from alligators, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). 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. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, alligators have been sighted at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. They measure between two and three feet in length. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states. It is not thought that it can be passed on to humans, but I probably wont eat elk meat, you know, just in case. These snakes are usually found in forested or woodland areas, perhaps near water, but rarely in unsheltered open areas. Born and raised in South Africa, David is a wildlife enthusiast, volunteer, and educator. Children and pets should be kept expressly away from riverbanks. A young alligator around 3 feet was. If you run, bears will probably chase and I wouldnt like your odds. Occasionally they will feed on larger animals such as possums, raccoons, and deer. 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? 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. Stay calm and get medical help. Alligators are a protected species in Tennessee, and you may not catch or hunt them unless you have been issued a permit. Alligators have been expanding their range into Tennessee through the inland waterways, as per the wildlife agency of the state. Reach Holly Meyer at hmeyer@tennessean.com or 615-259-8241 and on Twitter @HollyAMeyer. While alligators have been slowly migrating north for the past . The discoveries may leave some scratching their heads about exactly what kinds of critters they are coexisting with in Tennessee. If you had to choose between encountering a black bear and a grizzly, then pick a black bear. If you come across one while exploring the outdoors in West TN, leave it alone. . "Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just. They do not view humans as food, so only bite when they feel attacked. People ask this all the time. Alligators are creating buzz in other states, too. The Americanalligatorlives in slow-moving, freshwater rivers, as well as swamps, lakes, and marshes. They can carry many diseases which could be passed on to people. "There's probably single digits of alligators in the state and in West Tennessee, so it's highly unlikely that you'll encounter one," Matt Cameron with TWRA told Channel 5 in Nashville. This brumation is unique because it is the complete opposite of what most crocodilians do when it gets cold. "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. Twra doesn't have any alligators in tennessee. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. If you encounter wild boar, stay calm and unobtrusive in the hope they go away. 2023 www.tennessean.com. Not long ago, a seven-foot-longalligatorwas found in the Wolf River in western Tennessee. If youre in the mood and can see the spider, take a photo of it, as this could help with identification and treatment. This is because the natural range of these large reptiles does not include Tennessee. They can be dangerous, but Cameron said we should be more concerned with a different type of gator. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states.. "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. 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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. In addition, several Caiman crocodiles. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) believes that alligators will likely become a common sight in the state, and people will have to learn to coexist with them in harmony. Shiver! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. 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. "There is evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their territories into Tennessee. Still, this is not Florida or Louisiana. Alligators cannot live in water that is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can probably freeze to death when winter hits the water. Spencer said that U.S. Geological Survey records show gators in Tennessee are not out of the question. Lion Bite Force: How Strong Is a Lions Bite? Dont play dead, that is a good way to get yourself killed. In New Jersey, law enforcement continue to look for one that got loose. Can You Kill An Alligator In Tennessee. 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. But the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency say theyare here and Tennesseans must learn to live with them. However, the animals didnt live for a very long time as the weather got too cold in each case. According to TWRA, alligators normally live in states further south, but are naturally migrating into Tennessee. There were sights of american alligators, alligator gars, and water snakes in the tennessee river. They can also endure periods of ice by sticking their snouts out of the water before it freezes so that they can breathe. And this was just the latest in a handful of confirmed alligator sightings in the state. "Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states," the agency says. The American Alligator is one of the few notable large North American species that visitors can not see in Yellowstone National Park's wildlife roster. In March, a seven-foot alligator was spotted in West Tennessee's Fayette County. Reports of alligator sightings in Tennessee have been made from Memphis in western Tennessee to Bradley County, near the Appalachian Mountains in the east. An effort to prevent alligators from going extinct in 1979 resulted in alligators being taken into Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama to the south. Colder winters will either kill off or force most alligators to migrate to more temperate climes. In the entire United States, the only species of black cat is the black bobcat population that has a home in the state of Florida. Receive daily updates with the best country music videos, news, and more! [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. 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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. We try to keep everything up to date, but sometimes things move fast. This is just one of several confirmed sightings of the cold-blooded reptilians, and the sightings are becoming more and more common. 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. 3, 2019 at 10:21 AM PDT. 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! 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. 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). 5 More answers below Ray Stewart 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. Youre more likely to die from a wasp or a bee sting, or a dog attack than you are from alligators.. There have been at least three known reports of alligators living in Kentucky since 2015. If you come across one while exploring the outdoors in West TN, leave it alone and enjoy Tennessees unique biodiversity. 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 confirmed it recently when a seven-foot alligator was spotted and videoed at the Wolf River in Fayette County. There have been numerous reports of alligators targeting peoples pets, though. "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.". Female boars are often found with their young, and adolescent male boars will group together. The Everglades are also the southern extreme of their range, and they are usually smaller in South Florida. TWRA would like to remind everyone that alligators are a protected species and catching or shooting one is a violation of the law. They can withstand periods of ice by sticking their snout out of the water before it freezes which allows them to continue breathing. ). To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. It was likely a term the Spanish explorers and settlers used when they were in Florida. If you come across one while exploring the outdoors in West TN, leave it alone and enjoy Tennessees unique biodiversity, says the TWRA. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. There are not many but they are here now in south west Tn. After being released into the Smoky Mountains the wolves either succumbed to disease or left the area in search of food. Wildlife authorities claim that there are fewer than 1000 alligators in the state, mainly located to the southwest, near the Mississippi river. Conclusion: Do you still want to visit Tennessee? Note that alligators are protected, so shooting or catching them is illegal. Alligatorshave made appearances in states even more to the north than Tennessee- as far north as New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and Illinois! American alligators are typically less aggressive to people compared to other crocodile species of a similar size (Nile and saltwater crocodiles are more dangerous). Alligators thrive in the southern states because it gets so warm. There is evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their territories into Tennessee. Officials believe it was someone's pet. 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. Alligators are not found in Tennessee. 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