American alligators were once pushed to the brink of extinction due to hunting and habitat destruction. In 1967, they were placed on the endangered species list, and it took decades of conservation efforts to bring the species back from the edge. They were finally removed from the list in 1987.
Today, Louisiana is repeating the mistakes of the past.
What’s Happening?
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is establishing a recreational alligator hunting season from October 1–31. In addition, on May 7, Governor Jeff Landry signed two bills that legalize the creation of a hunting season and tag lottery for American alligators.
Rather than celebrating one of conservation’s greatest success stories, Louisiana is opening the door to renewed killing of a species that was nearly wiped out by hunting in the first place.
Why Alligators Matter
Alligators are not just another species—they are a keystone species, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems. They:
- Support biodiversity
- Control prey populations
- Contribute to nutrient cycling
- Create “alligator holes” that provide critical habitat and water sources for countless other species
Without them, entire ecosystems can suffer. Protecting alligators means protecting the wetlands and wildlife that depend on them.
Act Before June 26
Public comments close on June 26.
Please contact: Jeb Linscombe
Alligator Program Biologist
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
📧 jlinscombe@wlf.la.gov
Subject: Urgent Request to Ban Alligator Hunting
Suggested Message
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed recreational hunting season for American alligators in Louisiana.
American alligators were once nearly driven to extinction by hunting and habitat loss. After decades of conservation efforts, allowing recreational hunting threatens to undermine this hard-won recovery.
Alligators are a keystone species that play an essential role in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems. They support biodiversity, regulate prey populations, and create habitats that benefit countless other species. Their removal can have serious and lasting ecological consequences.
Beyond their ecological importance, these animals deserve respect and protection. Killing them for recreation is unnecessary and inconsistent with responsible wildlife stewardship.
I urge the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to reject recreational alligator hunting and instead support humane, science-based conservation policies that protect wildlife and preserve Louisiana’s natural heritage for future generations.
