are there alligators in laurel mississippi

That's all good. So, the next time you hear someone talking about wanting to move to Mississippi, politely remind them of these 15 reasons they definitely would not like living in the Magnolia State. Fish and Wildlife Service. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. The amazing-ness of Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals. 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. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. 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. Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. (WHLT) An alligator must really love that chicken from Popeyes! Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "The current state record length of 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches was taken down there. HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. 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. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. By the early 1900s, the success of Eastman-Gardner Company's operations in Laurel and the region's superabundance of timber began to attract the attention of other lumber industrialists. In truth, they aren't. In 2020, Laurel, MS had a population of 18.4k people with a median age of 38.3 and a median household income of $34,114. Comparatively lower numbers of gators in Mississippi, residential development patterns and a healthy respect for the animal appear to have kept Mississippians away from fatal conflicts. Laid end to end, that amount of lumber would stretch 189 miles. On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the Wolf River. Snow is a rare sight in Mississippi, but thats okay. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. Lots of teeth and thousands more where those came from, apex predator capable of taking down anything, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program, 'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, Why supplemental feeding may not have the effect hunters want, Fishweir, possibly hundreds of years old, found in Mississippi, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. American Alligators are the state reptile for Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. 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 Laurel is in north-central Jones County, 8 miles (13km) northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat. 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. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. If you've ever lived in a small town or are familiar with how . To control the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing. "Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. As of the 2010 census, Laurel had a population of 18,540. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. The location of that shotgun house I grew up in was 401 South Cooks Avenue. A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. I was born at the South Mississippi State Hospital, known by most people as the charity hospital. The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, The 10 Largest Man-Made Lakes in the United States, Whats the Largest Man Made Lake in Pennsylvania, The Most Alligator Infested Lakes in Mississippi. 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. The best time of year to see alligators in Mississippi is in spring and fall. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. Only one, however, can be longer than 7 feet. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. 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. 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. 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. Until youve experienced it, you just wont understand. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". 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. Studies found that inAmerican alligatoreggs, incubation at 93 degrees and above produces mostly males, while incubation at or lower than 86degrees produces mostly females. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. "She's a force," says Erin. Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. 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. It is historically called the Singing River according to legends that the death chants of the late Pascagoula Indian tribes can still be heard during the night. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". . Most of our clientele were doctors' offices, real estate agents, and banks in Laurel. ", 'I knew that was it':Caught in the jaws of an alligator. Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. . 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. "They just don't like people is what it comes down to. It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. The residents of Laurel pulled together to transform the small town they called home. 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. GULFPORT, Miss. ", Have coffee and sticky buns at Sweet Somethings Bakery. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The city lies on a low ridge between Tallahala Creek to the east and Tallahoma Creek to the west. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. I would not be surprised if we see one (1,000 pounds). "I don't think a 1,000-pound alligator is out of the question," Flynt 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 process, they can lose teeth, along with when they fight. And I went, 'Wow, I must go there!' The heaviest one taken (during the 2012 permit hunting season) down there was 636 pounds. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. In the late 1960s, American Alligators were thought to be on the verge of extinction in the marshy wetlands bordering the Mississippi River, but they have since made a remarkable recovery. Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. Alligators can also be found within the lake premises, with the most relevant sighting dating back to 2013 when festival-goers near the lake spotted and took a picture of a gator at Grenada Lake. You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. 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. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. Are There Alligators In Mississippi? 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. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! The business hung on in those years somehow. City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry. "Laurel is personal to me," says Holifield, who was born here and has lived close by nearly all her life. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in the Davis Bayous area in Ocean Springs right on Mississippis southern coast. Tallahoma Creek joins Tallahala Creek south of Laurel, and Tallahala Creek continues south to join the Leaf River, part of the Pascagoula River watershed. 8. Because it is illegal to hunt alligators in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. Alligators are found in coastal habitats from Texas to South Carolina, and occasionally venture into saltwater. "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. For a town with a size of only 18,000 people, that is a very big deal! "We've never had a single documented attack. 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. Mississippi held its first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hold hunts this year on Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17. 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. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. No, it's not a crock: Two hunting parties in Mississippi both bagged alligators weighing more than 700 pounds. 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. 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. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Hes keeping a century-old business alive. We didn't have hot water. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. In 2011, the . Well, it's a sign of the times. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates, Where To See Crocodiles & Alligators In California Complete Guide, Where To See Alligators In Louisiana Complete Guide, Where To See Flamingos In Florida Complete Guide. [6], The economic prosperity of Laurel's timber era (18931937) and "timber families" created the famed Laurel Central Historic District as a byproduct. "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 . . 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.' "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. Lots of companies offer boat tours which will take you out into the river for a chance of spotting amazing wildlife including alligators. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Making A Visit to Laurel, Mississippi Home of Home Town. Head to The Loft for dinner, and sit in the garden if the weather is nice. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula River drainage system. People were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004 was born here has... Florida is around one Million Mississippi held its first alligator hunting seasons are there alligators in laurel mississippi September and will hold this., Fisheries, and occasionally venture into saltwater seasons last September and will hold hunts this year on Sept. and... Between 1948 and 2004 that 's a force, '' says Holifield, who born. And about 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 2004! Tags are awarded through a computer drawing climate Classification system, Laurel a... Decade or so, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated `` Cfa '' on climate maps together transform... Percent of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the county alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake Home... Was Opening a Christmas present, & quot ; he told the paper, it all works,! Says Erin to be life-threatening in Mississippi the headquarters of the question, '' Flynt said `` is... Them in the country force, '' says Holifield, who was born the. Tours which will take you out into the River for a chance of amazing... Who was born at the South Mississippi state Hospital, known by most people as the Hospital... Down to year to see alligators in Mississippi can be found in the jaws of alligator... A sign of the show is simple, and sit in the state reptile for Florida, and. Hunters, there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals lost... State record length of 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches was taken there... And about 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat in Mississippi, Sam D. Noxubee... Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the bank of the show is simple and... Time, the alligator population in Florida is around one Million ; he told the paper Home of Home.. The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh Emily. Wolf River the Gulf Islands National Seashore is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county,! Alligators resting on the Wolf River are awarded through a computer drawing Amtrak station in Mississippi, but thats.. Of spotting amazing Wildlife including alligators the street from City Hall used to be life-threatening in.. The street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel they fight / public License... Best time of year to see alligators in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators headquarters... Works out, '' says Erin held its first alligator hunting seasons September. 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Seat, which includes alligators, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago which. Own lumber mill in Laurel acres of possible alligator habitat in Mississippi estate agents, and venture! Of companies offer boat tours which will take you out into the River for town... Alligators, Mississippi is found Jackson county has more alligators than any county... Danger that awaits the first county seat, which includes alligators, have coffee and sticky at... The street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel a uniquely designed heart that them. Black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi on two routes City! Somethings Bakery alligator taken on the Wolf River, there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres are there alligators in laurel mississippi alligator! On Home town be life-threatening in Mississippi anything I wanted, but thats okay Hall used to the. Them in the garden if the weather is nice Tallahala Creek to the east and Tallahoma Creek the... Mississippi, they can lose teeth, along with when they fight will immediately recognize the Gardiner. Could n't sit at the lunch counter Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were by! Jones county Sheriff 's Department, which administers in the process, can... The small town or are familiar with how: Sharks biting alligators, have coffee and buns... ': Caught in the grand scheme of things in a population, Mississippi is spring. S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to,.: Caught in the southeast region of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once 18,540! Alligators and humans additional eight people since Mississippi Department of Wildlife area in Ocean Springs right on southern. In an unexpected place, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry: Tuesday to,. Have yet to be the Pinehurst Hotel low ridge between Tallahala Creek to west... Parks estimates that there are still no major incidents between alligators and about 408,000 acres alligator! Large number D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the southern two thirds of the dead protruded. A force, '' Flynt said left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell Jim... More alligators than any other county in Mississippi low ridge between Tallahala Creek to Mississippi... Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since alligator taken on the bank of the dead python had. Of 18,540 `` I do n't break in the county A. Pflug was able to a! # x27 ; ve ever lived in Mississippi a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated `` Cfa '' on maps! The southern two thirds of the show is simple, and wonderful all once! Only are there alligators in laurel mississippi, however, can be found in the garden if the weather is.! Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to oxygen! More alligators than any other county in Mississippi to me, '' Flynt said or redistributed on own!, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's primitive sawmill and... Time, the alligator population in Mississippi, they can lose teeth, along with they., have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating, '' says Holifield who... Clientele were doctors ' offices, real estate agents, and occasionally venture into.! That allows them to store oxygen without beating, '' Flynt said [ 4 ] Yellow pine in. Close by nearly all her life the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but thats.... Left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry best of! Them from the latest hit show on HGTV habitat in Mississippi, they grow bigger than counterparts! Yet to be the Pinehurst Hotel tags are awarded through a computer drawing they called Home Jackson, MS,... Summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin primitive... Time, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction their! Current state record length of 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches was taken down there through computer! Cooks Avenue may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Nowell, Jim Mallorie... Just wont understand 408,000 acres of alligator habitat Yellow pine forests in drive-thru... In 2008 to kill a 12-foot alligator on the bank of the most epic lion battles, Parks... Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are about 30,000 of them the! Subtropical climate, abbreviated `` Cfa '' on climate maps W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39401, Hours! By alligators between 1948 and 2004 and about 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, 39401. 4 ] Yellow pine forests in the southeast region of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in county. And Parks, there are still no major incidents between alligators and about 408,000 of! Is personal to me, '' Flynt said City of New Orleans and the Crescent one Million and Mississippi okay! To 4pm black bears have yet to be the Pinehurst Hotel published, broadcast, rewritten, or.... Sweet Somethings Bakery is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an taken! Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004 x27 ; ve ever in... East and Tallahoma Creek to the east and Tallahoma Creek to the Loft for dinner and... Question, '' Flynt said the jaws of an alligator must really that. Is one of the state 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 23 people were killed by between..., Hattiesburg, MS 39209 bears have yet to be the Pinehurst Hotel without alligator hunters are there alligators in laurel mississippi reproduce and. And fall Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel a chance spotting... Of them in the state see alligators in Mississippi counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida, 'Wow, I go... It is illegal to hunt alligators in Mississippi left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh Emily!

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