alligator sightings in tennessee

TWRA would like to remind everyone that alligators are a protected species and catching or shooting one is a violation of the law. It is important to remember that alligators are naturally carnivorous and opportunistic and that they will instinctively go for smaller prey. DECATUR, Ala. (WAFF) - Decatur parks and recreation officials say they have had reports of an alligator in the Tennessee River near the Point Mallard Walking Trail. They will not eat but instead seek shelter and wait. Wildlife experts say that in recent years, they are seeing more alligator sightings in the Volunteer State. The other species are Spotted Gar, Longnose Gar, and Shortnose Gar. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has not stocked any alligators with tranquilizers. For more information about, Alligator Gar visit the TWRAs website. "TWRA would like to remind everyone that alligators are a protected species and catching or shooting one is a violation of the law. It is illegal to specifically fish for or target Alligator Gar, so if caught they must be released. Alligators cannot live in water that is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can probably freeze to death when winter hits the water. 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. Alligator is the latest non-native animal to show up in Tennessee Watch on The Eastern cougar was native to Tennessee but disappeared from the state in the early 1900s. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirms an alligator sighting at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. 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. Louisiana is estimated to be the home of the most alligators in the country. Debbie Gibson on unrealized 'Star Search' dreams and bogus teen-idol rivalries: 'I just have to take a moment to say Tiffany's voice is un-freakin'-believable'. Alligators first appeared around 37 million years ago. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. Identifying Norris Lake, Tennessee Residents said an alligator in their neighborhood is alarming. Manage Settings While alligators can be found in Tennessee, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) believes that the amount of alligators living in this state is in the single digits. If the alligators are in the water when it freezes, they will stick their nose out so the ice forms around their snout, but they can keep breathing. Alligators have been seen in downtown Memphis and other cities in Tennessee, including Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown. Related: What To Know About Alligator Alley: One Of Florida's Best Road Trips, If you come across one while exploring the outdoors in West TN, leave it alone and enjoy Tennessees unique biodiversity. TWRA. 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. May 2019 in Clearwater, Florida: Seeing an alligator around the waters of Clearwater, Florida, isnt unusual, but finding one of the reptiles in your kitchen is. Wed, September 25th 2019, 11:51 AM PDT. Occasionally they will feed on larger animals such as possums, raccoons, and deer. The video below is one spotted in Fayette County along the Wolf River: "Recently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. Are Tigers Endangered? Still, according to wildlife experts, their continued presence is unlikely. This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. How did one small group of alligators survive in an isolated . As always with wildlife, people should treat them with respect and keep a distance. Youre more likely to die from a wasp or a bee sting, or a dog attack than you are from alligators.. Note that alligators are protected, so shooting or catching them is illegal. But sometimes, animals naturally expand their own native ranges. Final Thoughts On Alligators In Tennessee, people keep their distance from alligators, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), 10 White Tiger Facts To Capture Your Imagination, The Developmental Journey of a Baby Tiger. According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, "the American alligator is found in the United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas. 0. See How Country Stars Celebrated The 4th Of July, Alligators Are In Tennessee Now & Heres Video Evidence, Last Night By Morgan Wallen Is Now The #1 Best-Selling Song Of The Year, Kid Rock Fans React After Bud Light Found On His Bar Menu, Morgan Wallens Son Is All Smiles In New Photos Following Dog Bite, Country Stars Whose Marriages Have Stood The Test Of Time, Robert Irwin Makes Red Carpet Debut With Girlfriend, Rodeo Cowboy And His Horse Killed By Lightning Strike. At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Alligators. Rob Carmichael, the centers curator, told the Lake County News Sun that the thin, weak reptile had less than a few weeks left, especially with water temperatures in the lake dropping every day. Alligators and crocodiles are more active at night and do most of their hunting from dusk to dawn. Read on to learn about all the bizarre gator sightings that have occurred over the past year. The Everglades may be particularly famous for its alligators - where they are also considered to be a keystone species in the park. Alabama Fish & Game has been contacted. Alligators . West Tennessee AlligatorsRecently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. When the summer months arrive, and alligators thrive, they seek more territory to breed and may head up rivers or walk at night. If you see one, keep your distance, especially if youre with children and pets. According to the US Geological Survey, gators are not native to Tennessee. The interest in exotic pet ownership is likely responsible. When you think of Tennessee, you don't typically think of alligators, but maybe you should. TWRA said alligators migrating into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states. . "Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has confirmed alligator sightings in Tennessee are true. a small group of alligators lives along the Tennessee River. Alligatorsare most active when the outdoor temperature is around 82 to 92 degrees. In addition to this most recent alligator sighting, there have been several other confirmed alligator sightings in Southwest Tennessee. For many this will come as exciting news, for others, it may be scary and sound dangerous. Alligators do not live in the Tennessee mountains, yet that's exactly where one was captured, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. As parts of the country get warmer, alligators are able to survive there, where before, they were not able to thrive before. Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has confirmed alligator sightings in Tennessee are true. This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. With the bonus of burning 360 calories an hour, rollerblading is a surefire way to stay fit without a gym. According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, "the American alligator is found in the United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states. More To Know About Alligators In Tennessee. Get access to our best features TWRA has not stocked any alligators in Tennessee. Don't expect to see lots of large alligators in Tennessee just yet - but there is now an established population there. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states.. But theres been gator sightings in Chicago, New York and Connecticut just in July of this year. 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). Alligators are usually found in freshwater, slow-moving rivers. Wildlife experts say that in recent years, they are seeing more alligator sightings in the Volunteer State. They can also live to be upwards of 60 years old. 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. South Korean lawmakers berate IAEA chief over Japanese plans to release treated Fukushima A special Braves All-Star keepsake section coming Sunday in the AJC, Happy 77th! If you live in western Tennessee, be on the lookout: A 7-foot alligator was recently spotted in the southwestern part of the state and is the latest of "several confirmed sightings," wildlife. Published: Jul. There are two species of alligator alive today - the American alligator and the Chinese alligator (which is threatened with extinction). Occasionally they will feed on larger animals such as possums, raccoons, and deer. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said the 7-foot alligator wascaptured on video by agents in the area. Alligators expanding into Tennessee is just another species that we must learn to coexist with like many of the other southern states. For many this will come as exciting news, for others, it may be scary and sound dangerous. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Alligators prefer to do much of their hunting during the night and are also more active during the transitional periods between day and night. Alligators are not the only animals that are expanding their range to the state of Tennessee. But know that, for the most part, they are not looking to attack. Updated: Feb 22, 2023 / 06:43 AM CST NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) When you think of Tennessee, you don't typically think of alligators, but maybe you should. The females are smaller, getting to 2.6 to 3 meters (8.5 to 9.8 ft). Alligators are naturally spreading their home ranges to include some more states, such as Tennessee. Recently, alligators have been seen more regularly within the Wolf and Loosahatchie rivers and can be found in McKellar Lake. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. If you come across one while exploring the outdoors in West TN, leave it alone and enjoy Tennessees unique biodiversity, says the TWRA. Now there are alligators in Tennessee. Around five incidents have been reported each year, with around 23 deaths since 1948. 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