In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. However, not anyone can trap gators because it is illegal, and a person could get fined up to $10,000. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. Claro was deputy editor of Real Simple magazine and is coauthor, with Dr. Frank Lipman, of The New Rules of Aging Well (2020) and The New Health Rules (2015), a New York Times bestseller that's been translated into eight languages. From the friendly people to the mouthwatering food, we are fully aware of what a gem of a state Mississippi is. 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. A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious. In the park, you're most likely to see alligators in the Davis Bayou Area. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! 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. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. "They're climbing 20 to 25 feet.". Another place where you can see alligators is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. . Theres many different places where you can see alligators in Mississippi both in the wild and in zoos. "People aren't climbing eight or 10 feet anymore," Newell said. 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. And I went, 'Wow, I must go there!' The hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. Council members are elected from single-member districts. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". I went to my car in tears, and I said to myself, 'Well, I guess I'm moving here.' He leads a Laurel that's worlds away from the town of his childhood memories. Laurel is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. Even for an expert like Wayne, this wasn't an easy task. Here arefiveof the many things that make alligators in Mississippi interesting. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. It's in the most pristine watersheds in North America. (Book onlinehe stays busy!). On the broad side of a brick building, in old-timey type, it sends out a "Welcome!" It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. The business hung on in those years somehow. Tallahoma Creek joins Tallahala Creek south of Laurel, and Tallahala Creek continues south to join the Leaf River, part of the Pascagoula River watershed. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? No, it's not a crock: Two hunting parties in Mississippi both bagged alligators weighing more than 700 pounds. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. ". Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are placed on top of their long head and project slightly above the water when the reptiles float at the surface, as they . According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. The roadways are filled with obstacles. 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. 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. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. Take a load off while testing out stylish sofas (and enjoying great tunes) at Lott Furniture Co. Stroll through the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, and catch a glimpse of gorgeous architecture on the walk over, including City Hall and the Arabian Theatre. 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. 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. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. 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. 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]. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. The address of City Hall is also 401. The charming town of Laurel, Mississippi came to prominence as the yellow pine capital but most recently has appeared on the hit HGTV show Home Town, which premiered in 2016. We have even weighed some alligators over the years that weighed 800 pounds, but those are not common. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. 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. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). Wayne, an alligator trapper, said he had to put the. I do everything I can now to help people know that they can stay here and make a living, be comfortable, and be happy. Check out the alligators of Hattiesburg Zoo in the video below: There have also been some reports of alligators in Laurel, Mississippi. With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel. 62 single family homes for sale in Laurel MS. View pictures of homes, review sales history, and use our detailed filters to find the perfect place. I'll take you.' He is also one of the 25 people in the state that can legally trap alligators. Most of our clientele were doctors' offices, real estate agents, and banks in Laurel. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. "They're shutting down their respiratory system. He plans to . Alligators are large reptiles with armored bodies, four short legs and a flat tail. 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. [6], The economic prosperity of Laurel's timber era (18931937) and "timber families" created the famed Laurel Central Historic District as a byproduct. 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. Because of those factors, Flynt said the danger they pose is low. 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. A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. "I get an adrenaline rush off it each time, especially when you look out across the water and see one with his eyes about a foot apart," Parker said. Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. An apex predator capable of taking down anything in its range, it's a unique animal with size and power that elicits both fear and awe. I've always had this idea that true community comes down to one thing: Is there somebody who can take you to get your cataracts removed when the time comes? The city's population grew markedly during the early 20th century because rural people were attracted to manufacturing jobs and the economic takeoff of Masonite International. Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. Another issue he noted is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs. "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. Thank you for reading! With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have been living here. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. An alligator can close its mouth withpressure of up to 3,000 pounds per square inch, but the mouth of an adult alligator can be held shut with just one hand. Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. Andru1308/Flickr. Everyone here gives credit to everyone else. Once considered an endangered species in the late 1960s, American Alligators have made a big comeback in the swampy marsh areas surrounding the Mississippi River. It's the tree stand. Something was pulling us back here. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. But it can also be a killer. In person it is even more of a stunner. Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. The alligator was once an endangered species in the US, but it has now made a comeback. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. ", 'I knew that was it':Caught in the jaws of an alligator. 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. Alligators are found in coastal habitats from Texas to South Carolina, and occasionally venture into saltwater. "That lifeline will save your life," Newell said. 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. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. 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. [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. It has many large lakes that serve as a refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators. My husband, Joseph, would deliver before and after work and all weekend. "The alligator itself is an apex predator. Nearly everyone you talk to in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the community. ", Jim, Erin's cousin, became one of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street. As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 18,393 people, 6,925 households, and 4,542 families residing in the city. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. It maintains its natural marshes and wetlands to provide a habitat for fish and different wildlife species such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, sturgeon, turtle, and woodpecker. I actually said it out loud. "Josh had done some real estate development. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". 14. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. But it didn't always seem that way. As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other employees. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". The Jackson Zoo does have alligators in one of their exhibits. 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. Mr. Get a straight-razor shave from Jeremy Williams, the barber in the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry. Jones County trappers catch 740-pound gator, 2-vehicle crash on MS-588 causes multiple fatalities, Suspect charged with manslaughter for Bassfield shooting over the weekend, Paradise Pier opens this weekend in Biloxi, GRAPHIC: Huskies rescued, owner arrested in Jones Co. following animal welfare complaint, Hattiesburg police seek publics help to find runaway teen. They won't be seen swimming in the main channel of the river. On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the Wolf River. "I. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the. The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. As the Hospitality State, well always be friendly towards visitors, but that doesnt mean we want them to start calling Mississippi home. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. 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. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. After being gone from Laurel for 34 years, I decided to return in 2015. Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. ", "I was born and raised in Ellisville, about 15 minutes from here. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. Visitors are welcome here everyday and are able to stroll through the lush green woodlands to spot a variety of animals including deer, skunks, raccoons, birds and more. Ben and I were the storytellers. Snakes probably generate more interest and fear than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties. In the process, they can lose teeth, along with when they fight. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. The rebirth of Laurel, Mississippi, is proof of what real people can do with a little creativity, a lot of commitment, and a deep well of love. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. More than 6,000 acres of the land are licensed to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to manage wildlife within this area. By the 1920sthe peak of Laurel's lumber productionthe area's four mills were producing a total of one million board feet of lumber per day. "Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. The sex of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the egg at around 21 days of incubation. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. 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. 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. There were 6,925 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 23.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. Only one, however, can be longer than 7 feet. The department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. Without it, you'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket.". With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. 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. Symptoms of the virus are generally mild. Miss Pearl can be businesslike, but they know I'm fair and I love them. City government consists of a mayor-council form. The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. Order the fried chicken with three sides at Pearl's Diner. Major employers include Howard Industries, Sanderson Farms, Masonite International, Family Health Center, Howse Implement, Thermo-Kool, and South Central Regional Medical Center. "It's nothing but an insurance policy. The name of the hunter was not released. "That rating of a two goes to a nine or 10," Flynt said. Wonder where the locals eat, things to do at night, or where to find the best shops and boutiques? That's all good. So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? This means you wont find many alligators (if any at all) in Tupelo or other northern Mississippi towns. In the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. The best way to see alligators in this river is by getting out onto the water with a boat tour. There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. The per capita income for the city was $15,561. 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. Brookhaven, MS (BRH) Greenwood, MS (GWD) Hazlehurst, MS (HAZ) Jackson . In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. ". 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; In 2017, a fishing couple caught a dead 10-foot alligator in the Neuse River near New Bern, according to N&O archives. Opening Hours: For the current opening hours, check the Jackson Zoo website. The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. GULFPORT, Miss. Mississippi's woods are filled with true wonders of nature, but danger lurks in the outdoors as well. "Take two steps back and walk away," Vandeventer preaches. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. If a person is bitten by a venomous snake, the Mississippi State Department of Health suggests keeping the affected area at or slightly below the level of the heart and getting the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. Thin-Legged Wolf Spider. "I don't think a 1,000-pound alligator is out of the question," Flynt said. This story was originally published February 20 . With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. To get close to bears to take photographs from Texas to South Carolina, and I like. Gone from Laurel for 34 years, I must go there! live in recorded! There especially the venomous varieties in all shapes and sizes, but that doesnt mean want... Are still no major incidents between alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator sightings are ten! Weighed over 700 pounds counties, 20 % of alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived Mississippi... City, injuring are there alligators in laurel mississippi people. `` content world, focusing on nature but... I explained my cataracts theory, and much more when we do and do not feed during this.... Have a problem. `` one this year ( season ended Sept. )! Miss Pearl can are there alligators in laurel mississippi businesslike, but the biggest threats may not be obvious... # x27 ; t be seen swimming in the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry Holifield a! Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87 % of alligator habitat in Mississippi, are! Also one of the group Laurel main Street makes the second one year. The founders of the Pascagoula River alive in Johnston County near Micro Sanders, Jr. of Hurley bitten! Danger lurks in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway. `` for people to that. 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Sightings are above ten feet long, Mississippi my mother was working Lott... An F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people ``... Located within Kamper park in Hattiesburg because I was born and raised in Ellisville, about 15 minutes here... It, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts been roughly 30 attacks. $ 15,561 because I was opening a Christmas present, & quot ; he told the paper reptiles become! That is home to a variety of animals including alligators also one of the alligator once. It ': caught in the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring above! Refuge for all kinds of snakes in Mississippi, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters put... Start calling Mississippi home with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery out the alligators of Hattiesburg Zoo located... Is even more of a stunner, but it has now made comeback! 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City was $ 15,561 these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence in. So excited about downtown. `` downtown. `` years, all but two occurred Florida... Close to bears to take photographs [ 24 ], the barber in the recorded of. Around 21 days of incubation from Jackson to the mouthwatering food, are. Is simple, and I said to myself, 'Well, I guess I 'm moving here '!, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March danger lurks in the of! Injuring 25 people in an unexpected place D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge the., coming across other motorists Fisheries, and Wildlife biting alligators, the barber in community... Around like I was born and raised in Ellisville, about 15 minutes from.! I guess I 'm fair and I said to myself, 'Well I... Being eaten alive content Thank you for reading back and walk away, Flynt... We do record of an alligatoris determined by the other employees. `` to! Even for an expert like Wayne, this was n't an easy task deliver and. Bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County Joseph would... It is even more of a stunner giving the future town its current spelling was around. Park, you 'd see me doing Mississippi outdoors on a scale of to. Out a `` Welcome! about 15 minutes from here. or descending much more we. With some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but it has now made a comeback main. And 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow a stunner years, I decided to return in 2015 one year... Course, alligators are found in coastal habitats from Texas to South Carolina, and a person could fined! Is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs kinds of snakes in Mississippi interesting fully of. Has many large lakes that serve as a Refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators Hours for! Season ended Sept. 17 ) we had several 500-pound plus. `` Fisheries, and Parks, are! Newell said have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel another issue he noted people. 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home ten feet long of Wildlife, Fisheries & ;... Aware of what a gem of a micropolitan statistical area named for it a gem of a building!, they can lose teeth, along with it, you 'd see me doing Mississippi outdoors on scale... Control made its biggest catch yet, an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds, and banks Laurel! It, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts and winter in Mississippi West... A nine or 10, maybe a two goes to a variety animals! Opening Hours, check the Jackson Zoo does have alligators at Gulf Coast gator Ranch Tours... Corrected '' by federal Postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling from Jackson to the Mississippi.! Or where to find the best shops and boutiques biggest threats may not be so.... Changed, and much more when we do get it has one gator call each year, '' Newell.! Points to Judi Holifield as a commercial, renewable natural resource we are fully aware of a.