There is evidence of alligators and cougars expanding into to Tennessee according to The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
Listed in the TWRA Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide for the 2020-2021season.
The guide reads:
"There is evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their territories into Tennessee, Species expanding their ranges into Tennessee are protected and may not be taken until a hunting season is proclaimed. Alligators and cougars are protected by state laws in Tennessee."
Also, the guide lists other animals protected from hunting, like hawks, owls, songbirds, endangered species or any other species for which a season is not set.