Humidity,Cajuns, Alligators...OH MY!

So we are enjoying our time in Louisiana. We went to this little town called Jennings, and went to pet alligators. I was a little hesitant to let the babies touch the alligators, but the lady said that they are cloroxed. (Is that a word?) Anyways, one little finger touch won't hurt anyone, right? If the alligator was any bigger, I wouldn't have let them, but what can 12 inches of alligator do?