Connect with her on LinkedIn. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates, Where To See Crocodiles & Alligators In California Complete Guide, Where To See Alligators In Louisiana Complete Guide, Where To See Flamingos In Florida Complete Guide. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. Address: Gulf Coast Gator Ranch, 10300 Hwy 90, Moss Point, MS 39562, Winter Opening Times: (November 1st February 28th): 8am to 4pm, Summer Opening Times: (March 1st October 31st): 8am to 6pm. Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. And of course it's Erin & Ben Napier's home town. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. "She's a force," says Erin. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. The officer used a catch pole to secure it and put the gator in a dog box in the back of his truck. Danielle Claro is a New York Times bestselling author, editor, and book coach who specializes in bringing esoteric topics down to earth. "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. So I stayed. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. The Pascagoula River has a very large alligator population with estimates ranging from 7,500 to 12,500 this represents 25% of Mississippis total alligator population. [22][23], The Mississippi Department of Mental Health South Mississippi State Hospital Crisis Intervention Center is in Laurel. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. Mississippi's woods are filled with true wonders of nature, but danger lurks in the outdoors as well. Small town America being restored, one house at a time. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". In 2010, I started a bakery out of a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house. I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' I was born at the South Mississippi State Hospital, known by most people as the charity hospital. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. 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. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. The Pascagoula River is around 80 miles long and flows through southeastern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. The mayor is elected at-large. . Where to Find Alligators in the Mississippi River Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel. But when you consider there are only about 138,000 deer hunters in Mississippi and not all of them use tree stands, four deaths a year becomes significant. Thanks for reading this post on where to see alligators in Mississippi. I just thought, 'Man, I need to do something different.' "I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. Wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing are among the most frequent activities. Black bears and mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations. In the years since, shes had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. Not only did Sanders endure pain and several days in a Vicksburg medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $442,000. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Laurel residents Erin and Ben Napier are featured in the HGTV series Home Town, which premiered on March 21, 2017. "It's nothing but an insurance policy. "They're shutting down their circulatory system," Flynt said. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. At least they provide the perfect opportunity for a party. We put some lights in the trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. "But it would be an exceptional animal. And the python was missing its head. In alligator habitats, if you feed fish species on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden. Although the odds of dying from a venomous snake bite are low, the pain caused and the price of treatment are extreme. 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.. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. Go shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and more businesses along North Magnolia and on nearby streets. There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. The sex of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the egg at around 21 days of incubation. The owner of Pearl's Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality. In the late 1960s, American Alligators were thought to be on the verge of extinction in the marshy wetlands bordering the Mississippi River, but they have since made a remarkable recovery. Get more stories delivered right to your email. alligator, (genus Alligator), either of two crocodilians related to the tropical American caimans (family Alligatoridae). This ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large population of alligators that call this place home. To learn more, explore Mississippi's Amtrak stations below: Mississippi Amtrak Stations City of New Orleans. Here are just a handful of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. The amazing-ness of Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals. American alligators have been all over the headlines in Alabama recently from gator hunts in south Alabama, to a rogue 10-footer killed in Oxford. We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". 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I get emotional about it. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. It's made Laurel a popular destination, especially for fans. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. "I mean, we were just kids, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make things happen.". Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been widespread down there going back as far as you can imagine.". GULFPORT, Miss. a 27-year-old who goes by "Boo" and works for a trucking company in Laurel, Miss . "It's a bad situation," Newell said. Below I have listed the best places to see alligators in Mississippi including the exact spots and locations you should visit. ". Are there alligators in the Mississippi River?Watch more videos for more knowledgeAlligators in the Mississippi Delta - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). Hes keeping a century-old business alive. When I got back, I said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gonna do?' Trapper Wayne traps alligators and other nuisance animals for a living and has done this for about 35 years. Mrs Catherine Gardiner, the wife of one of the lumber barons, engaged the firm of Fredrick Law Olmstead to landscape a city parkway system for tiny Laurel. The message is so beautifully rendered, in warm colors with exquisite workmanship, that it tells you all you need to know: Somebody loves this place. So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? With large teeth and bone-crushing jaws, large alligators can easily kill a human. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. If youre looking for somewhere to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the right place. 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; They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. 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. Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. They also have a denser (human) population near water. He's keeping a century-old business alive. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. People are investing in their townnot to garner attention or elevate property values but simply to make Laurel better because this is where they want to stay and work and enjoy life. GULFPORT, Miss. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. Despite the many alligators in South Mississippi, Flynt said alligators are not a direct threat to humans unless an animal is fed by humans on a regular basis. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. Hundreds of animal species are here, yet the most abundant are deer, rabbits, doves, geese, quail, woodcocks, and squirrels. Thin-Legged Wolf Spider. "When we all came home from collegeMallorie and Jim Rasberry, Emily and Josh Nowell, Ben, and mewe were the only people who lived downtown," Erin remembers. Instead, the state adopted a mandatory online harvest-data collection program in which hunters register the kill and enter the animal's length, sex, location of kill and hours hunted. According to Randy Newell, spokesperson and law enforcement officer for MDWFP, there were more than 20 tree stand-related injuries last year and four were fatal. This is called temperature-depended sex determination. If you've ever lived in a small town or are familiar with how . "Nary a one," Flynt said. "It will affect the rest of your life and your family.". In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. Unfortunately, what is generally just an itchy bite can be a killer. In July, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in which she lays her eggs. Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. I got involved after college. The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. "You're asking to be made an example out of.". Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. The per capita income for the city was $15,561. Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert had a hit with the song "Goin' Down to Laurel" (released on his 1978 album Alive on Arrival) which refers to visiting the town of Laurel. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Whena tooth breaks off, a new one grows to take its place. City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. "That area (Pascagoula River) is the most stable gator population in the state. U.S. Route 84 passes through the south side of the city, leading east 30 miles (48km) to Waynesboro and west 27 miles (43km) to Collins. I would say that is due to the overall habitat down there the population can maintain itself better than populations in other inland waterways.". The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. When an alligators tooth breaks off, a new one grows in its place. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. "That lifeline will save your life," Newell said. Common throughout North America, the Thin-Legged Wolf Spider will send chills down your spine just by looking at it! If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. But it can also be a killer. The racial makeup of the city was 55.08% African American, 40.64% White, 0.33% Asian, 0.11% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 3.17% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. Laurel was the big city for us. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. Ben and I were the storytellers. It's likely the reptiles are migrating from Mississippi, where there is a. "Harrison County ranks No. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. Smith told the Clarion Ledger that he was sifting through the contents of a 750-pound, 13-foot, 5-inch alligator from Eagle Lake recently, when he discovered two strange objects, including what appeared to be a broken stone arrowhead. "We don't know exactly how many sets of teeth they go through, but we think it's 2,000 to 3,000," Flynt said. They're also right here in Lexington County around the Congaree River, in small creeks, and even in some private ponds in areas you may not expect. You might even spot one eating a fish! "It's a part of their unique design," Flynt said. "I said man, this beats everything I've ever seen," Wayne said. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. Among these animals present within the lake premises, alligators can also be seen. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. Wonder where the locals eat, things to do at night, or where to find the best shops and boutiques? "The alligator itself is an apex predator. Between the perfectly fried seafood and the variety of local specialties and creations, such as the slug burger, dieting is basically impossible here. 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. That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. Alligators can also be found within the lake premises, with the most relevant sighting dating back to 2013 when festival-goers near the lake spotted and took a picture of a gator at Grenada Lake. "First of all, it's illegal to feed alligators. Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. The alligators are reaping the benefits of that, which results in abnormal specimens. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. We didn't have hot water. Period," Flynt said. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. I'm an HGTV junkie, so one night I was hunched over my computer, and here came a new TV show, Home Townfirst season, first episode. 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 . . But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. When they die, some must sink into the deep ocean. Check out the alligators of Hattiesburg Zoo in the video below: There have also been some reports of alligators in Laurel, Mississippi. Now there are probably 40. Wayne, an alligator trapper,said he had to put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate. One of the most extended river systems in the country, the Mississippi River is home to many wildlife species such as the paddlefish, leopard frog, cottontail, blue catfish, beaver, coyote, white-tailed deer, otter, muskrat, and even alligators. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. As the Hospitality State, well always be friendly towards visitors, but that doesnt mean we want them to start calling Mississippi home. Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44, "U.S. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. Of those, about five are fatal each year. I really could see it. As of the 2010 census, Laurel had a population of 18,540. Fourteen northern Mississippi counties have produced no alligator records, but nuisance alligator complaints have come from as far north as Coahoma, Lafayette, and Itawamba Counties. Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. This is the place! The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. So, the next time you hear someone talking about wanting to move to Mississippi, politely remind them of these 15 reasons they definitely would not like living in the Magnolia State. Council members are elected from single-member districts. After that sighting, specific cautions advise lake visitors to report to the authorities once they spot an alligator during their visit to the lake. He advised neighbors to be aware of your surroundings, keep your pets on a leash and the leave it to animal control if you encounter a critter. It's the tree stand. Mississippi held its first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hold hunts this year on Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. Most of our clientele were doctors' offices, real estate agents, and banks in Laurel. Female alligators are protective, caring mothers. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. 37.5% of those under the age of 18 and 19.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Every time we would come home to see our family, we'd drive around and look at houses and land. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. ", 'I knew that was it':Caught in the jaws of an alligator. Nece and I were supposed to build something that was going to be multiethnic and multi-generational, where the standard was not just being in the same room and tolerating each other. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. 15. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. I always said I'd never work here, but then the girl I was going to marry was here (she came in to help my mother in 1983), my family was here, and downtown Laurel was starting to die. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. Another issue he noted is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs. [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. There have been several sightings of heavyweight alligators in the river. here in living color is proof that there once were alligators, and this is what they looked like! Nearly everyone you talk to in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the community. Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. According to the United States Census Bureau, Laurel has a total area of 16.5 square miles (42.8km2), of which 15.8 square miles (40.8km2) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.8km2), or 1.81%, are water.
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