Scientists think the Alligator species has been in existence for 150 million years--a long time considering the dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago. In 1967, American Alligators were themselves facing extinction. Their complete recovery by 1987 is a tribute to excellent management by state and federal wildlife agencies. On Avery Island we have actively managed the American Alligator population by collecting eggs and releasing approximately 20 percent of the offspring back into their natural habitat. (Source: McIlhenny Company) . Alligators have the strongest laboratory-measured bite of any animal--equivalent to the force of a medium sized sedan falling on someone.