Yes, there are alligators in Tennessee. There will be more. And the TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency) says we need to learn t live with them.
The agency reported, "Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states."
Evidence? They captured a four foot gator in East Tennessee earlier this week. Earlier this year, a 7ft alligator was caught in West Tennessee.
Just a warning... It is illegal to kill a gator. Even if you're a Vols fan! Alligators are a protected species. They also can't be captured.
Alligators usually eat small prey like turtles, water fowl, and frogs. But sometimes they get a little bolder and go after deer or raccoons.
If you're thinking they can't survive the cold of a Tennessee winter, you're wrong. Since they live in water, they stick their snouts out of the water just before it freezes so they can breathe till spring. Check out this video example.