In 1967, the American alligator was listed as an endangered species (under a law that was the precursor Endangered Species Act of 1973), since it was believed to be in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
Alligaatorid lisati 1967. aastal ohustatud liikide nimekirja (seaduse alusel, mis oli Endangered Species Act of 1973 eelkäija), kuna arvati, et see on väljasuremisohus kas osas või terves levilas.