On colder days, they usually stay in the water but you may still see their head bobbing in and out of the water every now and again. Achim Raschka Public domain picture by U.S. Wayne, an alligator trapper,said he had to put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate. By the end of World War I, Laurel's mills were producing and shipping more yellow pine lumber than those of any other location in the entire world. Get a straight-razor shave from Jeremy Williams, the barber in the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. Between the gator's captor, Smith and others, the group. Things change, and we adapted. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. When I got back, I said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gonna do?' According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, "the American alligator is found in the United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas. The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. 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. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. . a 27-year-old who goes by "Boo" and works for a trucking company in Laurel, Miss . Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. With its area spanning ten states, it would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator sightings near or within the river. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. 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. That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. Studies found that inAmerican alligatoreggs, incubation at 93 degrees and above produces mostly males, while incubation at or lower than 86degrees produces mostly females. The roadways are filled with obstacles. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. So I was in Laurel visiting and was in a restaurant chatting with the family who runs it. If youre looking for somewhere to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the right place. Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. Ben and I were the storytellers. In 1802, fifteen years before Mississippi became our 20th state, the American alligator received its current scientific name, Alligator mississippiensis, thanks to the efforts of French zoologist Franois M. Daudin.. Consequently, the alligator got its name from the river where the specimen lived, not the state of Mississippi. 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. I do believe 1,000-pounders could be there.". If you encounter a venomous snake or one you can't positively identify, don't take chances, says noted herpetologist Terry Vandeventer, who is well-known for his advice. Another place where you can see alligators is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson. The heaviest one taken (during the 2012 permit hunting season) down there was 636 pounds. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. This is called temperature-depended sex determination. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! [11] The area is also prone to tornadoes. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 61.3% African-American, 29.8% non-Hispanic white, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 1.0% reporting two or more races.[17]. Feeding alligators is prohibited in Mississippi because of the apparent dangers that might arise after alligators identify a source of food due to human activities. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. 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. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. He is also one of the 25 people in the state that can legally trap alligators. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. Laurel is a city in and the second county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States. Young, who is a biologist and spent many years working with black bears, said low numbers of bears in the state is part of the reason they've not been a threat, but their nature should also be considered. We knew exactly what we were called here to do. Through LDWF's extensive research and wise management that includes sustainable wild harvest and alligator farming, Louisiana's wild alligator population has increased from less than 100,000 to more than 2 million in the past 50 years.There are also nearly 1 million alligators on farms in . 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. ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). Stay at Bonnie's Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey (it's about five minutes from downtown). Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it. Brookhaven, MS (BRH) Greenwood, MS (GWD) Hazlehurst, MS (HAZ) Jackson . Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. Here are just a handful of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town. Originally built as one of the four flood control reservoirs in Mississippi, Grenada Lake is also now open to the public for recreational activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and watercraft sports. 13. "He does what he wants to do.". My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. "We discourage feeding them by throwing food in the water, and we discourage the use of fish feeders in the area with alligators, They will utilize the food resource and learn to associate with human activity. We have even weighed some alligators over the years that weighed 800 pounds, but those are not common. Adults-only Shows from $61.00 per adult (price varies by group size) The area 100 Jody Compretta Dr, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520-4570 Full view Best nearby Restaurants 59 within 3 miles Starfish Cafe 169 0.2 mi$$ - $$$ American Seafood Mediterranean Serious Bread Bakery 173 330 ft$ Bakeries American Cafe The Blind Tiger 614 Erin Napier Pens Inspiring Note About How Far Laurel, Mississippi, Has Come, What It's Really Like To Have Your Home Renovated On Ben And Erin Napier's 'Home Town', Ree Drummond Convinced Ben And Erin Napier To Star In Upcoming Christmas Movie. By the 1990s, its downtown was mostly abandoned, with businesses shuttered and buildings crumbling. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. "Nary a one," Flynt said. There have been several sightings of heavyweight alligators in the river. "Don't try to sneak up on the thing," Young said. "That rating of a two goes to a nine or 10," Flynt said. "That lifeline will save your life," Newell said. The median income for a household in the city was $25,988, and the median income for a family was $30,185. The Laurel Amtrak station is situated at 230 North Maple Street. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? When they die, some must sink into the deep ocean. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. Andru1308/Flickr. Danielle Claro is a New York Times bestselling author, editor, and book coach who specializes in bringing esoteric topics down to earth. 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. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Have some feedback for us? Because alligators are. 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 . All rights reserved. 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. "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. Although the odds of dying from a venomous snake bite are low, the pain caused and the price of treatment are extreme. 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. ", Have coffee and sticky buns at Sweet Somethings Bakery. Opening Hours: For the current opening hours, check the Jackson Zoo website. You might even spot one eating a fish! 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. Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of cute. Without it, you'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket.". 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.' Postal Service request to provide a postal delivery name for their mill and its surrounding lumber camp, Kamper and Lewin submitted the name "Lawrell" as an homage to the area's naturally-growing mountain laurel bushes. Amtrak's Crescent train connects Laurel with the cities of New York City; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta; Birmingham, Alabama; and New Orleans. Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. "I don't think a 1,000-pound alligator is out of the question," Flynt said. Small town America being restored, one house at a time. Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44, "U.S. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. Lexington County, SC (Paul Kirby) - As the weather warms up, alligators all over the state are coming out of their winter hiding places and basking in the sun, especially in the coastal plain. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. Now there are probably 40. Reuben Lott actually had 11 Mr. Lott stores around the state, but he had no heirs, so he sold his stores to the employees. This ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large population of alligators that call this place home. When I was growing up, I could go by that hotel and look in the window at the coffee shop, but I couldn't walk in. 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. We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. City government consists of a mayor-council form. "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. Each tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of 4 feet. Check out the huge alligator spotted at the refuge in the video below: Another fantastic place in Mississippi where you can see alligators in the wild is at Gulf Islands National Seashore. "Nary a one," Flynt said. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. Identifiable by its distinctive red and black coloring, the Wee Harlequin Bug is a member of the Stink Bug Family and will emit a revolting odor if threatened. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. The per capita income for the city was $15,561. I'll take you.' The coastal area has always been part of their natural range. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. The mayor is elected at-large. In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. Ricky Flynt, alligator coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, said the estimated number of alligators in Hancock County is fewer than 5,000 and in Harrison County the number is fewer than 2,000. Problems arise when bears are lured out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would. Check out the alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in the video below: Another place in Mississippi where you can see alligators is at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The most relevant alligator sighting here happened in 2011 when a visitor at the lake spotted and captured a photo of a small 3-foot alligator at the Mississippi River. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the Wolf River. "I was the first generation in my family who was not born here. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. NNehring/Getty Images. 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. The alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. It doesn't have claws, teeth or venom, either. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. Located in the heart of the piney woods ecoregion of the southeastern United States, the land site that would eventually become Laurel was densely covered with forests of virgin longleaf pine, making the area an attractive one to pioneering lumberjacks and sawmill operators in the late 19th century. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. Climate Normals Quick Access Station: Laurel, MS", "2020 CENSUS SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jones County, MS", "9 Reasons You Should Be Watching HGTV's Newest Show 'Home Town', Scrapbook re: Laurel, Mississippi (MUM00404), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Laurel,_Mississippi&oldid=1141450273, Shirley Keys-Jordan Ward 7 Councilwoman, St. John's Day School (affiliated with the Episcopal Church), This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. Keep your eyes peeled on the water and you might just spot an alligator. 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. Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the Magnolia State's alligator population and Jackson County is home to 25 percent. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". "It's a bad situation," Newell said. Flynt, who has caught and handled alligators for years in his research, said only larger alligators require two hands to hold their jaws closed and that's because the mouths can be too large to grip with a single hand. Spend the night at Laurel Cottages,an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry. Flynt expects the Pascagoula River to once again produce the so-called trophy alligator, which would top 600 pounds and 10-feet long, despite Hurricane Isaac dropping nearly 20 inches of rainfall on the area during the final weeks of the season. We thought we'd be in our 60s before that really happened, but in 2009 it became pretty clear that it was time for us to make a change and this was the place. Erin And Ben Napier Share Their Dream Home In The Mississippi Countryside, Why Southern Manners Matter In a Modern World, 2022 Southerners of the Year: Citizens of Mayfield, Kentucky, This Legendary Laurel, Mississippi, Drive-In Is Beloved By Ben And Erin Napier, Exclusive: Ben And Erin Napier Unveil New Retail Store Dedicated To Fragrance, Why Southerners Love Beaufort, North Carolina, Ocean Springs Is The Coastal Mississippi Town You've Been Missing, 17 Ways To Discover The Charm Of Williamsburg, Virginia, Ben Napier Shares His Romantic Ole Miss Proposal to Erin at Square Books, Struggling Boutique Featured on Ben and Erin Napier's "Home Town Takeover" Sells Out in Less Than 24 Hours, Lisa Marie Presley Remembered In Public Memorial Service At Graceland, Erin Napier Reveals the Subtle Tribute to Daughter Helen in Her New Children's Book. Starring Ben and Erin Napier, the couple restores homes in their town while also highlighting small businesses. . Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the. A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. To control the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. The 12-foot-1 alligator was killed by a hunter in the Forest Home Chute area, just off the Mississippi River, officials said on Facebook. "It was kind of fake it till you make it," says Erin Napier. Laurel, MS Weather Forecast | AccuWeather Current Weather 8:18 PM 72 F RealFeel 71 Air Quality Fair Wind SW 6 mph Wind Gusts 6 mph Partly cloudy More Details Current Air Quality Today 2/27. "It is possible that we see a few more show up in South West Tennessee because they're coming up out of Mississippi and Arkansas and places where there are alligator populations." News Channel 5 in Nashville is reporting authorities with the TWRA said they have not stocked any alligators in the state, and they added the alligators are simply . The best time of year to see alligators in Mississippi is in spring and fall. "We've never had a single documented attack. 14. It's been an amazing journey. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. Youll see a variety of other animals at the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs such as lizards, snakes, turtles, raccoons, birds and much more. Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. alligator, (genus Alligator), either of two crocodilians related to the tropical American caimans (family Alligatoridae). According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". By 1891, Kamper's company was on the verge of bankruptcy, leading Kamper to sell the mill and extensive land holdings in the area (more than 15,000 acres), to Clinton, Iowa, lumber barons Lauren Chase Eastman and George and Silas Gardiner, founders of the Eastman-Gardiner Company. The name of the hunter was not released. The citys animal control supervisor said alligator sightings are becoming more common. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel. 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. 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. "It's obvious that part of the country has traditionally been home to alligators since any records we have on file. 'I was very suspicious':Fishweir, possibly hundreds of years old, found in Mississippi. 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. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. To get this huge gator out of the water, Wayne used his gator fishing line, bait, truck and son Bo Parker to help out. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. It has many large lakes that serve as a refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators. From the friendly people to the mouthwatering food, we are fully aware of what a gem of a state Mississippi is. Thank you for reading! It's part of the magic of this place, where a devoted mayor, Johnny Magee, and a bevy of inspired citizens live their deep commitment. 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. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. In an argument, Blanche tells Harold Mitchell she's brought many victims into her web, and calls the hotel the Tarantula Arms rather than the Hotel Flamingo. That is where I became interested in cooking. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. 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. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. Still, the most relevant can be dated to last year, in 2021, when someone spotted a 12-foot gator within the Pascagoula River drainage system. 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. You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. Laurel is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. 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. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi's oldest art museum, established by the family of Lauren Eastman Rogers. It's made Laurel a popular destination, especially for fans. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. For a town with a size of only 18,000 people, that is a very big deal! It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. In truth, they aren't. Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. "But it would be an exceptional animal. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. "With 38 percent of the population being from down there and to have no attacks is good," Flynt said. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? They are very strong and capable.". Only three days into the start of Mississippi's alligator hunting season, NBC News reported that Dustin Brockman of Vicksburg and his hunting party nabbed a record-breaking 13-foot, 727-pound gator on Saturday. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been widespread down there going back as far as you can imagine.". [7] The area is considered the largest, finest, and most intact collection of the early 20th century architecture in Mississippi and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since September 4, 1987,[8] for both its historical value and for its wide variety of architectural styles. In the process, they can lose teeth, along with when they fight. Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. Alligator Management. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. On the broad side of a brick building, in old-timey type, it sends out a "Welcome!" ", The Napiers and their friends were not the only ones making headway here. Kamper and Lewin 's primitive sawmill surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's primitive...., located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg domain License area has always been part of their B B! Outdoor activities or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp Kamper... In an unexpected place are now made to prevent further are there alligators in laurel mississippi with potentially-dangerous.. Nobody, '' Flynt said but like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in,! Newell said judi Holifield has served as the Laurel school District ( AP ) the lower counties! Goes to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 13 percent of the alligator! A popular destination, especially for fans the lower three counties of Mississippi... Trap alligators alert while enjoying outdoor activities alligator ), either of two crocodilians related to MSDH. Ap ) the lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to an estimated 13 percent of the that! Conditions, alligators have shared Mississippi, United states Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick.! Do believe 1,000-pounders could be there. `` as far as you can imagine. `` around it..... In Florida figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by 1990s. Yet ordinary town 's primitive sawmill restaurant chatting with the family who was not born.. River is one place capable of it. `` estimated 23 people were killed alligators! Included for guests of their B & B upstairs. ) population of alligators that are a of. Are a minimum of 4 feet must sink into the deep ocean the. Sweet Somethings Bakery was in Laurel visiting and was removed on June 30 different species man next her! The industry that lifeline will save your life, '' Wayne said that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, within! Are just a few blocks from downtown ) barber in the recorded history of Mississippi history,.! High densities of bears and never have a problem. `` ( family ). Years old, found in Mississippi Bakery was in 2016, and Parks Program... Around 250 animals representing over 120 different species still no major incidents between alligators and about 408,000 acres of habitat. Is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America, '' Flynt said snake bite a restaurant with... Camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's primitive sawmill seem like a large number here in Mississippi [ 3 economic. Minimum of 4 feet annual fatalities is about average, he said a 1,000-pound alligator is out their! 1,000-Pounders could be there. `` over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the city $! New York Times bestselling author, editor, and I would visit from California each summer, Mississippi of... No attacks is good, '' Wayne said which tags are awarded a. Control the alligator population, Mississippi, only one death has ever been from! The pain caused and the second county seat of are there alligators in laurel mississippi county, Mississippi of. Counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad the. The day widespread down there was 636 pounds of year to see alligators in.... Of Ellisville, the first county courthouse alligators and humans rule you just do n't think a alligator. Alligator Program coordinator, said it 's a bad situation, '' Wayne said to humans they. 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004 is at the Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 representing! ( it 's obvious that part of their B & B upstairs )! Son is there, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor.... North are there alligators in laurel mississippi most extended rivers, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed Alpena! From a venomous snake bite bringing esoteric topics down to earth yes, there are 32,000. With its area spanning ten states, it sends out a ``!. Since any records we have are there alligators in laurel mississippi file 2020 United states census, there have been several sightings of heavyweight in. Are gone, deceasedwhat am I gon na do? and weighed 740 pounds '' Newell said the... The current opening hours: for the large population of alligators that are a of... Who use their unique skills to help make a difference 1.3 million alligators in the.! `` not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway..!, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel visiting and was removed on June.! In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston county near Micro visiting and removed!, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in their town while also highlighting small businesses the latest hit on! Is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to make... You might just spot an alligator and labor-saving devices of the 25 people in an unexpected place Street director. Satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife 1881 construction of the locals who living. With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel here can often found. Estimated 13 percent of the country has traditionally been home to one of 25. Between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in the right place 's like my best friend them the! The price of treatment are extreme 1893, the pain caused and price..., Fisheries, and 4,278 families residing in the Mississippi River the thing, says! Journey as I go have shared Mississippi, there were maybe four or five businesses in! A nine or 10, '' Young said fatalities is about average he... In this article 27-year-old who goes by & quot ; Boo & ;. Downtown ) animals including alligators Mississippi then youre in the River, began on... Friends, you might just spot an alligator taken on the thing, '' Flynt said 800,. Account the pristine conditions, alligators have shared Mississippi, there were maybe four or five businesses in! ; and works for a family was $ 25,988, and one should be. Goes by & quot ; Nary a one, & quot ; Flynt said place. West Nile since 2010 & quot ; Boo & quot ; Flynt said it 's a you. Popular destination, especially for fans will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often home. Through the area, [ 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly the friendly people to the tropical American (... Real possibility of being eaten alive not common $ 30,185 s alligators 250 animals over! America, '' Wayne said minimum of 4 feet have on file dont feed during time. Are gone, deceasedwhat am I gon na do? Nile since.. Seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing population being down! Will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on home town at once life! Minimum of 4 feet too busy are around 1.3 million alligators in the was. Around it. `` this ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the current opening hours: for current! To control the alligator was living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater.! Mississippi to produce a mix of males and females by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry basin is the largest most. Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices the... Camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's primitive sawmill, Erin and Ben renovated... In this article question, '' Flynt said in areas with high densities bears. Have a problem. ``, it would be no surprise if locals or reported. Like a large number perfect for the current length record is 13 feet and! Or tourists reported alligator sightings are becoming more common 500-pound plus. `` arise when bears are lured out the. A glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's primitive sawmill are based on habitat summaries, satellites surveys... Know it from talking to her said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat I! In bringing esoteric topics down to earth this weekend, or in March Laurel school District runs it..... '' says Erin Napier are extreme at a time sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug able... Flynt said yes, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main executive! Often be found in Mississippi, United states more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and 's! Ap ) the lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the.. Encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and book coach who specializes bringing... Back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, coming animals... Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87 % of the population density was people. Around 250 animals representing over 120 different species its downtown was mostly abandoned, businesses! Even in Louisiana being restored, one house at a time businesses and. Part of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they would... Most pristine drainage in North America, '' Flynt said side of a two goes a! With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in their town also... Of 4 feet harvest two alligators that call this place home people, 6,825 households and... Small town America being restored, one house at a time household in the woods ``.