American alligators are now present in Memphis and the surrounding areas of Southwest Tennessee. Their increasing presence reflects a natural expansion of their range northward from neighboring states.
Alligator Natural Habitat and Range
American alligators typically inhabit the warm, freshwater environments of the southeastern United States. Their native range stretches from the northern coasts of North Carolina, extending south through Florida, and west to central Texas. They thrive in slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes, where abundant food sources and suitable basking areas are available. While primarily freshwater creatures, alligators can tolerate brackish water for short periods.
The northern limit of their consistent breeding range is coastal North Carolina, where milder winter temperatures allow successful reproduction. Alligators possess brumation, a dormancy similar to hibernation, allowing them to endure colder weather. During brumation, they can survive even if water freezes by keeping their snouts above the surface to breathe.
Alligator Presence in Memphis
Alligators are not native to Tennessee, but their presence in the western and southwestern regions has become more frequent due to natural range expansion. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) confirms these alligators are migrating from southern border states like Mississippi and Arkansas, and have not been intentionally introduced or stocked.
Confirmed sightings have increased in recent years across counties bordering the Mississippi River, including Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, and Fayette, all of which are near Memphis. For instance, a seven-foot alligator was videotaped by TWRA personnel in the Wolf River Wildlife Management Area in Fayette County in 2018, and other sightings have been recorded in Shelby and Hardin counties. While most alligators in Tennessee are a result of this natural expansion, isolated instances of illegal pet releases can also contribute to sightings.
What to Do If You See an Alligator
Encountering an alligator in Tennessee, while still uncommon, requires a cautious approach to ensure both human and animal safety. The most important guideline is to maintain a significant distance from the animal; never attempt to approach, interact with, or feed an alligator. Feeding alligators can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, leading to potentially dangerous situations where they associate people with food.
If an alligator is sighted, especially in an unexpected location, it is important to report the observation to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. When near bodies of water where alligators might be present, closely supervise children and keep pets on leashes. It is illegal to harass or capture wildlife, including alligators, in Tennessee, emphasizing the importance of observing them from afar and allowing them to behave naturally.