While historically not considered a primary habitat for alligators, Tennessee has seen an increasing presence of these reptiles in recent years. Although not widely distributed across the state, alligators are found in specific localized areas. This expansion reflects a natural northward migration from neighboring states where alligator populations are more established.
Current Alligator Status in Tennessee
Confirmed alligator sightings in Tennessee have steadily increased since the first documented wild capture in 2010 at Reelfoot Lake in Obion County. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) confirms that alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from southern border states like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia. The TWRA has not introduced or stocked any alligators into the state.
Most confirmed alligator sightings and localized populations are concentrated in southwestern Tennessee, including Shelby, Fayette, Hardin, Tipton, and Lauderdale counties. These areas are particularly near the Mississippi River and its associated large river systems, such as the Wolf River Wildlife Management Area. While sightings are becoming more frequent, the overall number of alligators in Tennessee remains relatively low, estimated to be fewer than 1,000 individuals.
Environmental Factors and Alligator Range
Alligator presence in Tennessee is primarily influenced by environmental factors, especially climate. Alligators are ectothermic, regulating their body temperature by external heat sources. They function optimally in temperatures between 82 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, their activity slows, and below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, they become sluggish, ceasing to feed.
Alligators tolerate short periods of cold by entering brumation, a reptilian equivalent of hibernation. During brumation, they can survive freezing conditions by sticking their snouts out of the water before it freezes, allowing them to continue breathing through the ice. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous and can be fatal. Tennessee’s colder winters, particularly in eastern and central regions, limit widespread establishment of breeding alligator populations compared to warmer, more southern states. Alligators prefer freshwater habitats such as lakes, slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, and wetlands, where they find ample food sources like fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, waterfowl, and small mammals.
Alligator Encounters
Alligator encounters are uncommon across most of Tennessee. If an alligator is sighted, it is important to maintain a safe distance and observe it from afar. Feeding alligators is illegal and can lead to dangerous situations, as it causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food. It is also unlawful to harass or attempt to capture an alligator, as they are a protected species in Tennessee.
Alligator attacks on humans are extremely rare, particularly outside their established natural ranges. Most alligator bites are not fatal, and individuals are statistically more likely to drown than to be attacked by an alligator. Alligators do not view humans as prey; attacks are provoked or occur when a nest is being defended. Any alligator sightings, especially those outside the known distribution areas in southwestern Tennessee, should be reported to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.