American alligators, sometimes also called “living fossils,” are hardy and fascinating creatures. Despite having no vocal cords, they’re among the most vocal reptiles, bringing attention to their presence with low, reverberating bellows. They also survived the same catastrophe that wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. But while they’ve made it this far, those living in the U.S. Southeast almost didn’t survive modern America. In the 1950s and ‘60s, poorly regulated hunting practices and wetland habitat loss pushed alligators to the brink of extinction. Thankfully, in 1967 they got Endangered Species Act protection, which safeguarded their homes and helped them to recover so successfully that they were delisted in 1987. American alligators are thriving today, but we won’t let our guard down. The Endangered Species Act works, and the Center will continue to advocate for species who urgently need help. #ESAat50 Video courtesy Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge / USFWS.