Although they may look ferocious, alligator gars pose no threat to humans and there are no known attacks on people. They can pose a passive danger, though: The fish's eggs are poisonous to humans if ingested.

Despite their prehistoric, "toothy" appearance, alligator gars are not aggressive toward humans. There has never been a confirmed, unprovoked attack on a person by an alligator gar. They are "sluggish" predators that primarily feed on fish, blue crabs, and small waterfowl; they are not interested in large mammals. Their teeth are designed for holding prey in place, not for tearing chunks like a shark. The only real "danger" they pose is to anglers who handle them improperly. Their scales are as hard as bone (ganoid scales) and can be razor-sharp, easily cutting a hand that slides along the fish's body. Additionally, their eggs are toxic to humans and other mammals if ingested, acting as a natural defense mechanism. In 2026, these "gentle giants" are recognized as a vital part of the freshwater ecosystem, and conservation efforts have helped debunk the "monster" myths popularized by sensationalist TV shows in previous decades.