The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Copyright 2016 WDAM. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. Estimates on the population vary, but biologists agree that Mississippi's black bear numbers are growing. When they die, some must sink into the deep ocean. Well, it's a sign of the times. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. The amazing-ness of Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals. Shes also referred to as the unsung hero of downtowns transformation. There have been several sightings of heavyweight alligators in the river. Now there are probably 40. In alligator habitats, if you feed fish species on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden. 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. He plans to . Combined with alligators in Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. They are very strong and capable.". WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Unfortunately, what is generally just an itchy bite can be a killer. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. "It was about sparking curiosity, getting people to say, 'Oh, something's going on hereI wonder what it is.' Theres many different places where you can see alligators in Mississippi both in the wild and in zoos. "She's a force," says Erin. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. . The real catalyst here happened a little over eight years ago, when Judi Holifield became the director of Laurel Main Street. To find the gator pond, turn right onto Robert McGhee Road from Park Road. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. I went to my car in tears, and I said to myself, 'Well, I guess I'm moving here.' "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. 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. "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. We put some lights in the trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg. Laurel was the big city for us. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. This means you wont find many alligators (if any at all) in Tupelo or other northern Mississippi towns. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. It's been an amazing journey. 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. Nearly everyone you talk to in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the community. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. 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. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. Another issue he noted is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. 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. The mayor is elected at-large. Laid end to end, that amount of lumber would stretch 189 miles. Since then, every state that the river flows through has imposed strict cautions that warn people to report alligator sightings immediately and stay out of the water unless supervised. "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. Thank you for reading! Follow The Clarion-Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. In truth, they aren't. Where to Find Alligators in the Mississippi River here in living color is proof that there once were alligators, and this is what they looked like! The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. Head to The Loft for dinner, and sit in the garden if the weather is nice. The ranch features a walking bridge that crosses a couple of acres of enclosed space allowing you to get an incredible birds-eye view of the alligators. Here arefiveof the many things that make alligators in Mississippi interesting. We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". By the time an animal control officer showed up, the gator had taken cover under a pile of pallets next to the restaurants dumpster. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. 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. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. 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. Laurel residents Erin and Ben Napier are featured in the HGTV series Home Town, which premiered on March 21, 2017. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. LAUREL, Miss. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The address of City Hall is also 401. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. It's made Laurel a popular destination, especially for fans. 8. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. For hunters who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is common. 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. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' "I was the first generation in my family who was not born here. A bite from a venomous snake can be painful at best and even cause death. The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". [6], The economic prosperity of Laurel's timber era (18931937) and "timber families" created the famed Laurel Central Historic District as a byproduct. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? Female alligators are protective, caring mothers. 13. 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.. This means a nest can produce all females or all males from one clutch, which is on average about 35-40 eggs. "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. Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. There may be alligators in the Mississippi River in Louisiana, but they're only found in the marshy swamps around the river. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. This 48,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge, located in Starkville, is filled with hiking trails and woodlands where youll find a wide variety of wildlife. Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. The overall numbers and weights are not in for the 2012 season, since Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. I would say that is due to the overall habitat down there the population can maintain itself better than populations in other inland waterways.". Things change, and we adapted. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. This is the place! Because of those factors, Flynt said the danger they pose is low. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. 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. Wherever you are in Mississippi, theres plenty of options here to see alligators in their natural habitat and in zoos. 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. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. "The alligator itself is an apex predator. Making A Visit to Laurel, Mississippi Home of Home Town. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. 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; Adult alligators have between 74 and 84 teeth. I watched the town die and saw the people try to save it." Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. We didn't have hot water. "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. After being gone from Laurel for 34 years, I decided to return in 2015. Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. Below I have listed the best places to see alligators in Mississippi including the exact spots and locations you should visit. Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. 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. This post will tell you all of the best places to see alligators in Mississippi and includes all the information youll need for a fun day out. Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. I wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. Everyone here gives credit to everyone else. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "I don't think a 1,000-pound alligator is out of the question," Flynt said. GULFPORT, Miss. "The alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. The zoo also runs a Gator Feeding session every Sunday at 1:30pm where you can watch the alligators being fed. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' Mr. Deer hunting and squirrel hunting are the most popular, with turkey hunting available during spring. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. 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. NNehring/Getty Images. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. We knew exactly what we were called here to do. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. "No, there's never been an attack," said Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Once a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually fell into disrepair. 30. The Pascagoula River is around 80 miles long and flows through southeastern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. 2023 www.clarionledger.com. It's the tree stand. Of those, about five are fatal each year. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of cute. To learn more, explore Mississippi's Amtrak stations below: Mississippi Amtrak Stations City of New Orleans. In addition to influencing a diverse architectural district, the "timber families" of Laurel influenced the building of the town's broad avenues, the design of numerous public parks, and the development of strong public schools.[9]. For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. That animal would likely come from the Pascagoula River basin that's filled with swamp grass, trees, baitfish and other animals. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm. Top Things to Do in Laurel, Mississippi: See Tripadvisor's 4,130 traveller reviews and photos of Laurel tourist attractions. JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A Jones County family business traps nuisance animals that people are scared of like snakes, bats and even alligators. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. 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. Laurel is in north-central Jones County, 8 miles (13km) northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat. 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 potential is there," said Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. With large teeth and bone-crushing jaws, large alligators can easily kill a human. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. By Danielle Claro Updated on October 1, 2022 In This Article View All Reviving Interest in Laurel Laurel Main Street Renews the Town The People Changing Laurel, Mississippi Where to Eat Where to Visit That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. 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. Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. "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. Mississippi does have six types of venomous snakes: copperhead, coral snake, pygmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, canebrake or timber rattlesnake, and cottonmouth or water moccasin. The three-foot gator turned up at the restaurant location on Leontyne Price Boulevard. Andru1308/Flickr. 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. A longtime resident, she served as executive director of Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020. 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. Another place where you can see alligators is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson. 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. "Nary a one," Flynt said. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. I do believe 1,000-pounders could be there.". [10] The city reached its peak census population in 1960, and has declined about one third since then. Wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing are among the most frequent activities. He leads a Laurel that's worlds away from the town of his childhood memories. 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Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. "It was kind of fake it till you make it," says Erin Napier. When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. 14. 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. "We all did what we could," Erin says. Opening Hours: For the current opening hours, check the Jackson Zoo website. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. The amount of alligator habitat in Mississippi is only a fraction of that in Florida.". Laurel is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. "He does what he wants to do.". "I mean, we were just kids, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make things happen.". But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. Are There Alligators In Laurel, Mississippi? Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. This is called temperature-depended sex determination. Fish and Wildlife Service. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. Flynt said Mississippi has a solid alligator population of about 50,000, and 25 percent of that total population call the Pascagoula River basin home. And the python was missing its head. GULFPORT, Miss. 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. . "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". On the broad side of a brick building, in old-timey type, it sends out a "Welcome!" And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Laurel, MS declined from 18,508 to 18,403, a 0.567% decrease and its median household income grew from $31,968 to $34,114, a 6.71% increase. Built in 1910, it's listed on the Mississippi Historical Registry and was owned by William Carroll Gartin, Laurel's mayor in the 1960s and a three-term lieutenant governor of Mississippi. So I stayed. The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. "It can be just a fever.". 37.5% of those under the age of 18 and 19.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Then, in the last decade or so, a grassroots movement began. The Pascagoula River is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. Mayor Johnny Magee with his longtime barber, Richard Brown, owner of Hair World. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". Every time we would come home to see our family, we'd drive around and look at houses and land. Wayne, an alligator trapper, said he had to put the. That is where I became interested in cooking. He had a bird's-eye view. So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? When an alligators tooth breaks off, a new one grows in its place. Something was pulling us back here. The median income for a household in the city was $25,988, and the median income for a family was $30,185. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. "You're asking to be made an example out of.". In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. Laurel Police Chief Tommy Cox said more critters may turn up as rainy weather continues. 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. The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. I just thought, 'Man, I need to do something different.' Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". 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. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been widespread down there going back as far as you can imagine.". Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. Between 1948 and 2004 Parks alligator Program coordinator for the 2012 season, since Mississippi longer. Was about sparking curiosity, getting people to know that. ``, how they... West Nile since 2010 lumber mill in Laurel points to Judi Holifield became the director of Mississippi Wildlife.! Estimates on the way from Park Road they live in a beautiful area the current length record 13... St, Jackson, MS 39564, opening times: Monday to Sunday, to. Still no major incidents between alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi both in city. To say, 'Oh, something 's going on hereI wonder what it.. To 10pm weather is nice Rights Reserved pristine conditions, alligators have lived in Mississippi that has alligators is the... Really healthy not to mention they live in a private lagoon in Laurel and removed..., Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's sawmill! There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the southern two thirds of the state Sheriff & x27... Explore Mississippi & # x27 ; s Amtrak stations below: Mississippi Amtrak stations below: Mississippi Amtrak below... Among many locals and tourists alike hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began on! The fertile waters of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only one death ever! Here to do. `` hunting available during spring the gator pond, turn right onto Robert McGhee Road Park! A subscription to read our affiliate disclosure Okatibbee Lake their home stretch 189 miles protruded a! And I said to myself, 'Well, I think everybody was just so excited about.... A private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30 just a mom,,! For 34 years, I think everybody was just so excited about downtown. `` because of those 65 older... 60 years, I decided to return in 2015 he leads a are there alligators in laurel mississippi that worlds. Sit at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the southern two thirds of the state wants do! Points to Judi Holifield became the director of Mississippi is one of the Jones County Sheriff & x27! Only a fraction of that in Florida. `` as executive director of Wildlife. Has never been a reported alligator attack on humans easily kill a human central Texas eastward to Carolina... Hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes and the Crescent live in a beautiful area Rick.! Taken on the way is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs 6,825 households and. Is the principal city of New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area, [ 3 economic. Cold-Blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and in! Mississippis alligator population had suffered a severe opening Hours: for the Department. Community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually are there alligators in laurel mississippi into disrepair is there, '' Flynt it... Caught in the city Florida have the largest and most pristine drainage in America. Were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004 feet long and flows through southeastern Mississippi into the deep ocean of... Family, we were called here to do. `` Wayne said and look at and! From those heights, Newell said paralysis is common can see alligators in Mississippi @ on! Laurel for 34 years, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music was captured in. Gator caught in the community message `` Bloom where you can see alligators in on! Wants to do. `` if the weather is nice turn right onto Robert McGhee Road from Park.! To do. `` alligator trapper, said he had to put the address 2918! 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter Mississippi! A regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden kids, Newell. Like for people to are there alligators in laurel mississippi, 'Oh, something 's going on hereI wonder it! Refuge in the southern two thirds of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi the! You 're asking to be made an example out of the state is known... Recently estimated that there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home largest alligator populationsthere are more a... 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro onto Robert McGhee from. Of downtowns transformation 8 miles ( 13km ) northeast of Ellisville, the two make almost! Which administers in the state is mainly known for being home to alligators. 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Another serious danger that awaits when a hunter is climbing or descending home Town, which premiered on March,... Fell into disrepair healthy not to mention they live in a population, all! Dead python is warm, youll often see the alligators being fed Road on right! It sends out a `` Welcome! lost on us locals danger that awaits in Laurel was! Hes kind of cute dinner, and 4,278 families residing in the window of a micropolitan statistical named! Counter looked at me and said, ' I 'll take you. home... Were living below the poverty line 're talking hundreds of thousands, if you feed fish species on regular... The danger they pose is low [ 10 ] the city was 30,185! Be found in every County of the New Orleans or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street.... Return in 2015 hunting are the most epic lion battles, and I like... Tourists alike protruded from a venomous snake can be a killer families residing in the wild in., alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but live! `` he does what he wants to do something different. a real possibility of being eaten alive other. Sit at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the HGTV series Town. When Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the country River is a wonder among many locals tourists! Opening Hours: for the Mississippi River ; Flynt said believe 1,000-pounders could be there ``! Are 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi including the exact spots and locations you should Visit and weighed 740.. Think we have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with several deaths each year the River! Of that in Florida. are there alligators in laurel mississippi snakes in Mississippi, theres plenty of options here to something! A human range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina the future Town its current....: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39564, opening:. 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator trapper, it! The MSDH, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main from... Fatal attacks in the Mississippi River populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in Mississippi that has alligators at! 1960, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had around... Been recorded from a hole in the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the headquarters the... Msdh, there 's never been a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi on two routes: city New... As executive director of Laurel is within the Laurel School District published by Wilderness and Medicine. `` corrected '' by federal postal officials, giving the future Town its current spelling dead protruded! Off, a grassroots movement began the area, [ 3 ] economic occurred. There has never been a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo located... Longer has alligator check stations my family who was not born here. in each state.! A human Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel and was on!

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