The presence of alligators in Tennessee lakes often sparks public interest. Understanding the current status of alligator populations in Tennessee is important for both wildlife enthusiasts and those who frequent the state’s waterways, clarifying common misconceptions and providing accurate details about these reptiles.
Alligator Presence in Tennessee
American alligators are present in Tennessee, primarily in the southwestern part of the state, with confirmed TWRA sightings in counties like Shelby, Fayette, and Hardin. These areas are near the Mississippi River and its connected waterways, serving as natural dispersal pathways.
The TWRA has documented sightings, including a 7-foot alligator in Fayette County’s Wolf River Wildlife Management Area. An alligator was reeled in from Norris Lake in East Tennessee in March 2024, an isolated incident likely due to illegal release. Alligators are a protected species in Tennessee; it is illegal to capture or kill them. The TWRA has not introduced alligators into state waterways.
Explaining Alligator Sightings
Alligators are appearing in Tennessee due to natural range expansion from neighboring southern states like Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia. Younger alligators naturally disperse, using the Mississippi River and its tributaries as corridors into western Tennessee. Historically, alligators were found along Mississippi River drainages as far north as southern Missouri about 200 years ago.
Warming climate contributes to their northward expansion. Alligators are ectothermic, relying on external heat for body temperature regulation. Milder winters allow them to survive further north, needing temperatures above 40°F for activity and 70°F for digestion. They can survive Tennessee winters through brumation, keeping snouts above freezing water to breathe. While natural expansion is the primary reason, some sightings, especially outside southwestern Tennessee, result from accidental or illegal releases.
Living Alongside Alligators
Maintain a respectful distance in areas where alligators may be present. The TWRA recommends observing them from afar and avoiding interaction. Never feed alligators, as this causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and become aggressive. Harassing wildlife, including alligators, is illegal in Tennessee.
Report any alligator sighting, especially if it appears to be a nuisance or in an unusual location, to the TWRA. While alligator attacks are rare, caution around any large wild animal is always recommended. The TWRA encourages appreciating Tennessee’s diverse wildlife, including its expanding alligator population, while prioritizing safety.