May 29

National Alligator Day

It's National Alligator Day! Get ready to appreciate these impressive reptiles with fun facts, activities, and more!

Yearly Date

May 29

Observed in

Introduction

It's time to honor one of the oldest living species on Earth – alligators - on National Alligator Day on May 29! Alligators have been around for an estimated 200 million years, and they are some of the most fascinating creatures in nature. On this day, we recognize and celebrate their resilience and beauty. So grab your camera, head out to your nearest wildlife park or swamp, and learn more about these incredible animals!

National Alligator Day Deals

No deals available yet for 2026

2 Brands Historically Offered Deals

National Alligator Day Timeline

1860s

Alligator hunting peak

In the late 1800s, alligator hunting peaked due to the high demand for alligator skin products, leading to a rapid decline in their population.

1894

Creation of Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, which hosts a large alligator population, was created in Florida to protect the region's unique ecosystem.

1960

Endangered Species Protection

The American alligator was listed as an endangered species, protecting it from being hunted or sold.

1987

Removed from Endangered List

American alligator was removed from the endangered species list due to successful conservation efforts.

2002

Expansion of Hunting Season

Due to successfully increasing alligator populations, states like Louisiana and Florida expanded their alligator hunting seasons.

2010

First National Alligator Day

National Alligator Day is recognized on May 29 to raise awareness about the importance of alligators in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

How to Celebrate National Alligator Day

1 Visit an alligator farm

Take a trip to your local alligator farm and learn about these amazing creatures up close. Most alligator farms offer educational tours and allow visitors to feed the alligators.

2 Read a book about alligators

Grab a book from your local library or bookstore and learn more about these fascinating animals. There are plenty of great books about alligators of all ages.

3 Go on an alligator hunt

Take a guided tour with a local expert to search for wild alligators in their natural habitat. Make sure to bring your camera, you never know what you might find!

4 Watch an alligator movie

Watch a movie about alligators, or just a movie that features them. There are plenty of great movies out there featuring these scaly creatures.

5 Create an alligator craft

Get creative and make your own alligator craft. You can make paper mache, paint, draw, sculpt, or even knit one! Let your imagination run wild.

Why We Love National Alligator Day

Alligators are fascinating creatures

A trip to the local zoo is always exciting, but seeing alligators and crocodiles up close and personal can be downright amazing! Alligators have been around for millions of years and there's no denying the awe-inspiring size and power of these prehistoric beasts.

Alligators help maintain wetland ecosystems

The presence of alligators in a wetland ecosystem helps keep it healthy. They control the populations of smaller reptiles, mammals, fish, and amphibians by preying on them. This helps maintain a balance in the ecological system, which in turn benefits other species living in the area.

Alligators are an important part of American culture

From books and movies to art and music, alligators have made their way into our lives in so many ways. From being a symbol of strength, power and courage to representing the natural beauty of wetlands and swamps, alligators have become an iconic part of our culture that we can look up to.