The search and identification of pevatrons - astrophysical sites capable of accelerating particles up to $10^{15}$ eV - is a key science project of all gamma-ray and neutrino observatories optimized in the multi--TeV range. It could help identify the sources of Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and lead us to better understand mechanisms capable of accelerating particles to the highest energies. The recent years have shown that the supernova remnant (SNR) paradigm, in which SNRs accelerate the bulk of GCRs, is facing difficulties and that the interpretation of the observations of the new--generation instruments remain tricky.