The Georgia DNR says......

Cougars just confirmed by TWRA Tennessee. I had a buddy swear he saw one in the late 80s and he was an avid hunter. They also said we didn't have bald eagles years ago in middle TN but, we see them now at some lakes.

http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2016/01/20/cougars-confirmed-tennessee/79015012/