Why would a toxicologist wrangle an alligator? North Carolina researchers are seeking to understand the effects of exposures to elevated Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS; aka forever chemicals) by studying the impacts found in the wildlife inside high exposure areas. These species serve as sentinels to infer and reflect potential adverse impacts that might be found in human populations under similar exposures. Observing American alligators, a resilient keystone species, findings show hindered immune function in these usually robust creatures and other aquatic species. This evidence reveals how unregulated PFAS pollution has impacted the entirety of the ecosystem, highlighting the need for more chemical toxicity testing and regulation to protect environmental and human health. Researchers are simultaneously sharing through traditional peer-reviewed publication and K-12 education by developing the findings into statewide secondary curriculum. This active community engagement and outreach aims to share the insights of these studies with those most vulnerable to these impacts. Scott Belcher is an endocrine toxicologist and an expert on the actions of hormones, endocrine disruptors (EDs), and adverse health impacts of EDs and other environmental toxicants. His research program has made seminal discoveries that have defined the molecular processes involved with adverse health impacts caused by very low levels of EDs across all levels of biological complexity. Current research efforts focus on identifying adverse health impacts resulting from exposure to EDs, toxic metals and per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. The high-level focus of his research efforts is to improve public and environmental health by discovering ways to limit harmful exposures to man-made toxic chemicals. He is also an ED science expert serving on numerous global science-policy and advisory panels related to the safety and sustainability of toxic chemicals and pollutants. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx