Alligators are present in parts of the Tennessee River, particularly in the lower stretches within Alabama and increasingly in western Tennessee. While not as widespread or abundant as in the deeper South, confirmed sightings and established populations indicate a gradual expansion of their range, prompting awareness among residents and visitors.
Alligator Presence in the Tennessee River
Alligators have a documented presence in the Tennessee River, predominantly in Alabama, with increasing sightings extending into western Tennessee. In Alabama, a notable population resides in the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge near Decatur. This refuge received approximately 56 alligators relocated from Louisiana in 1979 as part of a range expansion effort, supplementing historical accounts of alligators in the area dating back to the late 1800s.
Though more prevalent in south Alabama, alligators are found throughout the state, including the Tennessee River and its tributaries. Confirmed sightings in Tennessee primarily occur in the southwestern region, particularly in counties like Shelby, Fayette, and Hardin, often in areas like the Wolf River Wildlife Management Area. These sightings suggest a natural northward migration from southern border states like Mississippi and Louisiana, rather than official stocking. The population density in the Tennessee River area remains low compared to states with larger alligator populations, but their presence is becoming more established.
Understanding Alligator Habitat
Alligators thrive in freshwater environments, including slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes. They prefer still or slow-moving water with ample vegetation for shelter and prey. Certain sections of the Tennessee River, particularly its lower reaches and connected waterways, provide these suitable conditions, featuring wetlands and reservoirs. Alligators are cold-blooded animals and are most active when temperatures range between 82°F and 92°F.
While primarily freshwater dwellers, alligators can tolerate brackish water for short periods. Their presence in the Tennessee River system is partly due to natural range expansion from southern states, facilitated by interconnected river systems. Milder winters, potentially influenced by climate change, may also enable alligators to survive in areas historically too cold for permanent populations. They can survive colder periods by entering a dormancy called brumation, where they may stick their snouts out of the water to breathe if it freezes over.
Safety Around Alligators
Encountering alligators requires caution, as they are large predators. Maintain a safe distance, generally around 60 feet, from any alligator. Never approach an alligator, regardless of its size, and avoid walking, sitting, or playing with pets or children near pond or river edges. Alligators can move quickly on land in short bursts.
Feeding alligators is illegal and highly dangerous, as it causes them to associate humans with food, leading to aggressive behavior and a loss of natural fear. This often results in the alligator needing to be removed, which can lead to its death. Supervise children and pets closely near any body of water, as alligators may mistake them for natural prey. If an alligator hisses or lunges, it indicates you are too close; slowly back away. Avoid swimming at dusk, dawn, or night, as alligators are most active during these times.
Alligator Conservation Efforts
American alligators are a wildlife conservation success story, having recovered significantly from critically low numbers in the early 20th century due to overhunting. Alabama was among the first states to protect alligators in 1938, and by 1967, the American alligator was nationally listed as an endangered species. Due to conservation efforts, including habitat preservation and state and federal protections, the species was removed from the endangered species list in 1987, though it remains federally protected.
Wildlife agencies, such as the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), monitor alligator populations and educate the public on safe coexistence. Regulated alligator hunts exist in some areas with thriving populations, but are not an option in areas like north Alabama where populations are less dense. Any attempts to capture or kill an alligator without proper authorization are illegal.