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ALLIGATORS. Valued by shoe and handbag manufacturers, the American alligator seemed headed for extinction when it was placed on the federal endangered-species list a decade ago. Since then, largely protected from humans, the reptiles are making a comeback with a vengeance. Their numbers, estimated at only 52,000 in 1970, now exceed 600,000. Alligators have invaded populated areas, leading to worries that they may attack humans. "It's people, not alligators, that are becoming an endangered species in some Louisiana parishes," says a wildlife official. His fears seem well founded. Golfers at New Orleans Bayou Barriere Golf Club have become somewhat timid since club members found and killed a 5-ft. gator near the 14th fairway. A Metairie, La., family called off an afternoon swim when they found a four-footer in their backyard pool. In Alabama last month a 13-ft. gator glided up to a 30-lb. beagle and swallowed it in one gulp.