Advocates say alligator farming has turned the demand for boots and bags into a boost for a species often seen as scary, bothersome or good only for their leathery skins.

These wetlands, these alligators … it has to have some kind of monetary value,” said George Melancon, alligator research biologist for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

"It takes a little more suspension of disbelief to enjoy science fiction and fantasy." Now the self-proclaimed science geek has revisited his best-selling mix of physics, maths, chemistry and ...