If you’ve ever watched a viral video of someone walking a pet alligator on a leash and wondered whether that could happen in Arkansas, the short answer is no. State code treats the American alligator as a protected species that private residents cannot legally buy, sell, or keep, regardless of how tame it seems.
This matters because Arkansas sits inside the alligator’s natural range, and confusion about “grandfathered” pets or backyard breeding operations is common. Below, you’ll find exactly what Arkansas law says about alligator ownership, which permits exist for legitimate facilities, how federal rules layer on top of state code, and what penalties you could face for keeping one without authorization.
Important Note: Wildlife codes change periodically, and this article reflects Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations as published through late 2024. Always verify current rules directly with the AGFC before acquiring any regulated animal.
Is It Legal to Own an Alligator in Arkansas
No. Arkansas law is direct on this point: it is unlawful to hunt, buy, sell or possess an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) or other crocodilian species, or any part, nest or eggs. That single rule, found in the Arkansas Administrative Code, closes the door on personal pet ownership for essentially every private resident…