Alligators (Memphis, Lake Tansi: renter, community college, office)

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by lutarian

That is scary that they found a crocodile there. That means they could be anywhere in TN.

No it does not. It was a pet that was released.

[Beretta]

Originally Posted by lutarian

That is scary that they found a crocodile there. That means they could be anywhere in TN.

Originally Posted by hiknapster

No it does not. It was a pet that was released.

Well, I guess they could be found anywhere in TN that someone released them. However, depending on the time of year and other factors I don't know how long they would survive.

[williboy]

Well let's just get back on topic then. There are no alligators or crocodiles this far north. You might spot one in the Mississippi as far up as Memphis during the warm months, but I'm sure you're safe throughout the rest of Tennessee including Knoxville.

[Katsmeeyow]

I grew up swimming and skiing in Lake Blackshear - close to Cordele GA. (Flint River) Lots of snakes, turtles, gators, frogs, otters, etc... Nothing to be afraid of if you use common sense - really!

[williboy]

Kats, you are absolutely correct. There is nothing to fear.

[Tennesseestorm]

What about Water Moccasins? Has anyone ever seen them in east Tennessee?

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by Tennesseestorm

What about Water Moccasins? Has anyone ever seen them in east Tennessee?

No but I have seen Eastern Diamondback Rattlers along the .Tenn/NC border

[Beretta]

Please keep this on the topic of alligators. Start new threads for new species.

[kbg]

Tn. Wildife Agency has actually introduced all types of vermin to certain areas of Tn. including rattlers my uncle killed one in a city street a 4 footer in the late 1960's and still has the hide to prove it ! As for gators in Tn. one was found in the Wolf river outside Memphis a couple years ago and we have had huge alligator gar since the dawn of man because there was a 20 ft. 200 lb. gar caught in the Arkansas river in this millineium so who know's till you get out there they could be as close as your backyard!!

[Kitties of Domination]

Ok, time to myth bust again.

1. The climate of west TN is not really that much different than LOWLAND areas of east TN. Summers are hotter and the growing season is slightly longer in west TN, but the minimum winter temps are nearly equal in most areas. The one exception is the SW corner Memphis area, which averages 2-4 degrees warmer than the lower valley (Chattanooga to Knoxville).

2. The alligator was successfully introduced to northern Alabama, where it has naturalized. The climate of northern Alabama is very approximate to some TN climates, including the Chattanooga area. It is actually slightly colder than Memphis.

3. Many species have been migrating north. TN now has fire ants and armadillos.

4. The alligator was historically native to northern Mississippi. Add 1-2 degrees of warming and....not really that surprising to me that they're appearing in SW TN.

I estimate that survival could also be possible at least in the Chattanooga area. Could many survive? Maybe not. Could a small population? I think so.
The alligator was historically native as far north as the NC?VA border along the coast and northern MS. Both areas historically saw winter temps occasionally as low as 5-10 degrees...similar to ours here in TN nowadays.