(NASHVILLE) - For about 100 years, there were no confirmed sightings of cougars in Tennessee.
In 2015, there have been four confirmed sightings in Obion, Carroll and Humphreys counties.
Three of those sightings came from a picture or video of the animal. The fourth came from a hair sample.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency believes the species is the western cougar. They said it is now in Tennessee because it has been recolonized and has expanded its territory.
It is illegal to kill a cougar in Tennessee unless your life or property are in danger.
TWRA officials said they have never nor do they have plans to stock or encourage a cougar population growth in Tennessee.
