Alligators and humans have shared marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes of the Gulf Coast and Southeastern United States for many centuries. The original range of the species extended as far north as New Jersey, southward to the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, inland to the confluence of the Arkansas River with the Mississippi River and westward to the 100th meridian in Texas (Kellogg 1929, Lauder 1965). Today, the alligator's range extends east to the Carolinas, west to Texas and north to Arkansas.

Historically, alligators were depleted from many parts of their range as a result of market hunting and loss of habitat. Thirty years ago many people believed this unique reptile would never recover. In 1967, the alligator was listed as an endangered species (under a law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973), meaning it was considered in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. In 1969, Texas provided complete protection for the alligator.