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. One measured seven feet in length. The Grinch is getting a sequel, plus other books, Everything you need to know about the Disney California, 13 stylish black tights to wear this winter, TN firing squad bill clears another hurdle, MNPS to add gun detection software to schools, Organizations create housing for foster kids, help, Open carry laws could soon be expanding in TN, Old Hickory residents worried about incoming asphalt, Fishermen impacted by Old Hickory boating accident, Rutherford Co. 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Leaving the child-rearing to the women eh? They can be dangerous, but Cameron said we should be more concerned with a different type of gator. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirms an alligator sighting at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. If you encounter wild boar, stay calm and unobtrusive in the hope they go away. The alligator expansion may be being aided by the warming weather. Dont play dead, that is a good way to get yourself killed. The most common examples of black panthers are the black jaguar found in Central and South America and the black leopard found in Africa and Asia. While these animals do not cause an immediate threat, wildlife experts are keeping a close eye on their migration habits. That state is called brumation. Cougars(which are native to the western parts of the United States, such as in the states Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming) are also naturally expanding their range to Tennessee. 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 2015 there were three confirmed cougar sightings in West Tennessee - the first in over 100 years. We try to keep everything up to date, but sometimes things move fast. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. They are tan in colour and can be up to 90cm tall and they have long bushy tails. Conservationists may also deliberately have brought alligators into the area. If you do run into one while exploring the great outdoors in Tennessee, just leave it alone. Are There Alligators In Nashville Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, alligators have been sighted at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. READ ALSO: Are There Alligators in Texas? And this was just the latest in a handful of confirmed alligator sightings in the state. But the brumation is actually the best option for alligators who have moved up north because an alligator could completely freeze to death if they leave the water on a cold day. Alligators and cougars are protected by state laws in Tennessee.. 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"It's highly unlikely that they will," said Cameron. Strangely, alligators have actually been spotted in the state of Kentucky to the north. As long as you are alert and respectful of the environment, you should be able to stay safe in Tennessee. 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. The Everglades may be particularly famous for its alligators - where they are also considered to be a keystone species in the park. 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. Alligators are not the only animals that are expanding their range to the state of Tennessee. They can withstand periods of ice by sticking their snout out of the water before it freezes which allows them to continue breathing.TWRA would like to remind everyone that alligators are a protected species and catching or shooting one is a violation of the law. This is just one of several confirmed sightings of the cold-blooded reptilians, and the sightings are becoming more and more common. [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. Louisiana is estimated to be the home of the most alligators in the country. There have been numerous reports of alligators targeting peoples pets, though. The second venomous spider in Tennessee is the brown recluse. Alligators and cougars are protected by state laws in Tennessee" In the past four years, the TWRA says there have been ten cougar sightings. Alligators cannot live in water that is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can probably freeze to death when winter hits the water. 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. They are related to black bears though, but they are the larger and grumpier relative. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Born and raised in South Africa, David is a wildlife enthusiast, volunteer, and educator. Elk are related to deer but larger. Officially, no, there are no wolves in Tennessee. So, yes, alligators can be found in Tennessee! For example, there have been some alligatorspottingsalong the Wolf River, which goes through western cities such as Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, and Bartlett. There are no alligators in Nashville, Tennessee. Wildlife experts say that in recent years, they are seeing more alligator sightings in the Volunteer State. Although this is a list of dangerous animals in Tennessee, remember that people and wildlife usually co-exist happily. In Obion and Humphreys County, images of the animals were captured on game cams. They can survive Tennessee winters and are known to stick their snouts out of water before it freezes so they can keep breathing. There are not many but they are here now in south west Tn. 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. They can be longer than a copperhead and the longest ever recorded was just over six feet! Alligators are creating buzz in other states, too. Watch out for the two below. 5 More answers below Ray Stewart This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. 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. Around five incidents have been reported each year, with around 23 deaths since 1948. But do alligators live in Tennessee (a nearby state that borders Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas)? 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). However, the animals didnt live for a very long time as the weather got too cold in each case. 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. So why are alligators starting to appear in Tennessee? A four-foot alligator was captured Tuesday in East Tennessee's Monroe County. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reported there is evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their territories into Tennessee. They're in West Tennessee and TWRA said they're not likely to migrate to East Tennessee. Alligators are hardy reptiles, but when temperatures drop below a certain . 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). Armed with this guide to the most dangerous animals in Tennessee you will know what to look out for and how to stay safe. 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. So try not to sit on one. Except for federally protected and game . Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. They confirmed it recently when a seven-foot alligator was spotted and videoed at the Wolf River in Fayette County. Their bristles are brown, black or ginger. Alligators in Tennessee are thought to have migrated north from more southern states. You don't even have to venture into the mountains to find dangerous wildlife. Youre more likely to die from a wasp or a bee sting, or a dog attack than you are from alligators.. This range traditionally covered the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. They have a length of 14-20 inches. RELATED: How Do Reptiles Show Affection? The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. "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. Yes even the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has put out a warning about gators in the Hatchie National Wildlife refuge. 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