[packagingguy]

Alligators are now endemic to the entire state of Tennessee, per the state fish and wildlife department. This includes Appalachia.

[DannyTN]

I've never heard of an alligator in Tennessee, but apparently they are protected.

Alligators in Tennessee

[Rebelbase]

“Alligators are not migrating to East Tennessee, though a four-foot gator was captured in Madisonville in 2018. Officials believe it was someone’s pet. In addition, several Caiman crocodiles have also been spotted in East Tennessee. They look like small gators and are also likely pets that have been released.”

https://www.wbir.com/article/sports/outdoors/cougars-alligators-east-tennessee/51-57cff63d-75d3-4e12-b997-2f7e7453dae5#:~:text=Alligators%20are%20not%20migrating%20to,pets%20that%20have%20been%20released.