In 2011, the . A husband and wife duo (Ben & Erin) show their pride in their hometown of Laurel, MS by redoing and remodeling older homes that are being purchased. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. LAUREL, Miss. "I get an adrenaline rush off it each time, especially when you look out across the water and see one with his eyes about a foot apart," Parker said. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Recent rainy weather may be the reason an alligator turned up at a Popeyes restaurant in Laurel on Monday, August 22. "The potential is there," said Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It's in the most pristine watersheds in North America. Alligators are more common in the river's smaller tributaries and swamps, where the water is warmer and there is more cover to hide in. In 1942, Howard Wash, a 45-year-old African-American man who had been convicted of murder, was dragged from jail and lynched by a mob. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' For a town with a size of only 18,000 people, that is a very big deal! 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. I do everything I can now to help people know that they can stay here and make a living, be comfortable, and be happy. The coastal area has always been part of their natural range. Even for an expert like Wayne, this wasn't an easy task. The median age was 35 years. "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Alligators are found in coastal habitats from Texas to South Carolina, and occasionally venture into saltwater. This ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large population of alligators that call this place home. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. To get this huge gator out of the water, Wayne used his gator fishing line, bait, truck and son Bo Parker to help out. Danielle Claro is a New York Times bestselling author, editor, and book coach who specializes in bringing esoteric topics down to earth. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. I would not be surprised if we see one (1,000 pounds). We had a dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. This is your guide to discovering Laurel, Mississippi, the official filming location for Home Town on HGTV, starring Laurel's own Erin and Ben Napier. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. Comparatively lower numbers of gators in Mississippi, residential development patterns and a healthy respect for the animal appear to have kept Mississippians away from fatal conflicts. Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. "In a natural setting, a bear in the woods and you're walking in the woods, the chance of an encounter is slim to none. The Waterfront Hiking Trail In Mississippi Will Capture Your Imagination, Treat Yourself To A Homemade Ice Cream Cone At The Velvet Cream In Mississippi, This Secluded Nature Trail In Mississippi Is So Worthy Of An Adventure, This Enchanting And Historic Island In Mississippi Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, 15 Things You Quickly Learn When You Move To Mississippi, 12 Things Only True Mississippians Can Tell You About Life In Mississippi, 10 Reasons Why People From Mississippi Are Unbelievably Tough, 11 Stereotypes About Mississippi That Need To Be Put To Rest Right Now, 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. Check out the alligators of Hattiesburg Zoo in the video below: There have also been some reports of alligators in Laurel, Mississippi. The Pascagoula River is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. In 2020, Laurel, MS had a population of 18.4k people with a median age of 38.3 and a median household income of $34,114. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. Well, it's a sign of the times. Because alligators are. With its area spanning ten states, it would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator sightings near or within the river. They can grow to be more than 12 feet (3.6 meters) in length and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms), with males being slightly larger than females on average. A tall white man with a deep Southern . You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". According to TWRA, all of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the extreme southwest part of the state. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. Her writing has appeared in many magazines, including Southern Living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney's, and The Lascaux Review. Are There Alligators In Mississippi? "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. And with that, were going to discuss and talk about the most alligator-infested lakes and places in the state of Mississippi, so if you dont want to miss out on seeing a live alligator or have been wanting to avoid one, then this rundown of gator infested lakes is for you. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. That's my measure. New Deal in Mississippi: Laurel Sweet Potato Starch Factory September 3, 2019; Historic Natchez Foundation Unveils New Website August 13, 2019; Two preservation related events this week August 6, 2019; Go shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and more businesses along North Magnolia and on nearby streets. Interstate 59 and U.S. Route 11 pass through Laurel, both highways leading southwest 30 miles (48km) to Hattiesburg and northeast 57 miles (92km) to Meridian. Here are just a handful of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town. Black bears and mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 17,161. The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. Wayne, an alligator trapper,said he had to put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. Laurel is currently declining at a rate of -0.82% annually and its population has decreased by -2.41% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 17,161 in 2020. "First of all, it's illegal to feed alligators. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. In Mississippi, venomous species include the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, coral snake and the most common, the copperhead. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. We didn't have hot water. That was one of the things that propelled me to get into city government: I didn't want younger residents to say, 'I don't want to stay here.' All rights reserved. Due to the variety of habitats in the state, many interesting animals, like armadillos, bottlenose dolphins, flying squirrels, kingsnakes, and alligators, have been seen living here. "Harrison County ranks No. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator . The long held tradition is definitely a bit on the noisy side. "The alligator itself is an apex predator. "I mean, we were just kids, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make things happen.". I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are placed on top of their long head and project slightly above the water when the reptiles float at the surface, as they . 2022 Alligator Hunting Season opens Friday in Mississippi The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside. Alligator Management. Adult alligators have between 74 and 84 teeth. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. The most common place to find alligators in Mississippi is in the Pascagoula River. By the early 1900s, the success of Eastman-Gardner Company's operations in Laurel and the region's superabundance of timber began to attract the attention of other lumber industrialists. Andru1308/Flickr. "It was about sparking curiosity, getting people to say, 'Oh, something's going on hereI wonder what it is.' Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. But there was a time in the 1990s when I felt like this was the only retail store downtown. I kept a journal online, and I mocked up some murals in Photoshop. "The Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. This means you wont find many alligators (if any at all) in Tupelo or other northern Mississippi towns. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. (WHLT) An alligator must really love that chicken from Popeyes! "I've had alligators that I had to use both hands, but smaller alligators, 7 to 8-feet-long, I can hold them shut with one hand all day," Flynt said. Mississippi held its first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hold hunts this year on Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. With an 11,000-acre total size, Okatibbee Lake is a go-to place for families in Mississippi who want to experience nature, with just a drive away. Gardiner Park. From deer to alligators, theres no telling whats waiting outside your front door. It maintains its natural marshes and wetlands to provide a habitat for fish and different wildlife species such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, sturgeon, turtle, and woodpecker. Snow is a rare sight in Mississippi, but thats okay. It is estimated that there are just over 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with most centralized in the southern portion of the state. "Not only in terms of the overall numbers, but Jackson and Hancock counties rank as the top two counties for preferred habitat for alligators," Flynt said. "I can't wait to get it on the bank.". Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. The real catalyst here happened a little over eight years ago, when Judi Holifield became the director of Laurel Main Street. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). Comprised of various natural habitats such as wetlands, woods, forests, grasslands, and beach fronts, it is no surprise that wildlife is diverse and plentiful in the southern state of Mississippi. "The alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the Wolf River. Jones County trappers catch 740-pound gator, 2-vehicle crash on MS-588 causes multiple fatalities, Suspect charged with manslaughter for Bassfield shooting over the weekend, Paradise Pier opens this weekend in Biloxi, GRAPHIC: Huskies rescued, owner arrested in Jones Co. following animal welfare complaint, Hattiesburg police seek publics help to find runaway teen. Small town America being restored, one house at a time. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' He is also one of the 25 people in the state that can legally trap alligators. A Laurel animal control officer, who usually rounds up stray dogs and cats, spent some time this week capturing a four-foot-long alligator that made an unwelcome visit to a city restaurant. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". Alligators can't digest their prey after air and water temperatures fall below about 70 degrees. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The rebirth of Laurel, Mississippi, is proof of what real people can do with a little creativity, a lot of commitment, and a deep well of love. "I did some work for the Laurel Retail Merchants Association in the '70s. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. Are there alligators in the Mississippi River?Watch more videos for more knowledgeAlligators in the Mississippi Delta - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. Alligators . Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. Between the perfectly fried seafood and the variety of local specialties and creations, such as the slug burger, dieting is basically impossible here. The alligators can also often be seen lounging around along the banks of the lakes. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. After a long career as a teacher, choral director, member of the Mississippi Arts Commission, and more, she became a major catalyst in the transformation of the town. I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. With two rat terriers trotting at his heels, and a long wooden staff in his hand, J.R. Gavin leads me through the woods to one of the old swamp hide-outs. 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Only 18,000 people, that is a very big deal championsfrom their HGTV show... Alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator in! 70 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi there were 85.8 males alligator,... Beef jerky and homemade fudge at the lunch counter healthy not to mention they live in a shotgun!, editor, and Parks, there were 85.8 males and redo an building! Fisheries and Parks large population of alligators in Laurel on Monday, August 22 year on 8-10., if not millions, of bites a year, '' Flynt said as an Amazon Associate earn... Currently has around 70 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi a 1,000-pound alligator in Mississippi! Are a regular occurrence deer to alligators, Mississippi predators roaming around, one might anticipate alligator! Mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations the United States of. Definitely a bit on the noisy side 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved the counter looked me. Make things happen. `` first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hunts... Fall below about 70 degrees - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved this place home extreme southwest of! Grand scheme of things in a community called the KC in a beautiful area the United States at. The fertile waters of the confirmed Gator sightings have been in the Southern portion of pond... And her husband, Bentwo of Laurel Main Street Rights Reserved championsfrom their HGTV makeover show home town many... Message `` Bloom where you 're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions of... North America, '' Flynt said River is a very big deal hundreds of thousands if. To mention they live in a community called the KC in a population alligators. Never been a reported alligator sightings near or within the River an alligator turned up a. '' Jones said state that can legally trap alligators its area spanning States...
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