The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. Laurel Police Chief Tommy Cox said more critters may turn up as rainy weather continues. 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. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. 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. 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. "I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". "Don't try to sneak up on the thing," Young said. The Pascagoula River and its pristine drainage system make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. "It was kind of fake it till you make it," says Erin Napier. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. One of the most extended river systems in the country, the Mississippi River is home to many wildlife species such as the paddlefish, leopard frog, cottontail, blue catfish, beaver, coyote, white-tailed deer, otter, muskrat, and even alligators. And with that, were going to discuss and talk about the most alligator-infested lakes and places in the state of Mississippi, so if you dont want to miss out on seeing a live alligator or have been wanting to avoid one, then this rundown of gator infested lakes is for you. Are There Alligators In Mississippi? The best place to see alligators in Mississippi is at Moss Point, a small city located on the southeastern coast of Mississippi. This means you wont find many alligators (if any at all) in Tupelo or other northern Mississippi towns. 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. Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. It has many large lakes that serve as a refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. The amazing-ness of Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. "It can be just a fever.". Adult alligators have between 74 and 84 teeth. NNehring/Getty Images. 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. Because of that Newell said all deer hunters using tree stands should have some type of lifeline that keeps them attached to the tree at all times. A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious. There may be alligators in the Mississippi River in Louisiana, but they're only found in the marshy swamps around the river. Instead, the state adopted a mandatory online harvest-data collection program in which hunters register the kill and enter the animal's length, sex, location of kill and hours hunted. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. American Alligators are the state reptile for Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. 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. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. Combined with alligators in Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females. The Pascagoula River is around 80 miles long and flows through southeastern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. "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. Order the fried chicken with three sides at Pearl's Diner. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. Deer hunting in Mississippi:Why supplemental feeding may not have the effect hunters want. 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. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. "He does what he wants to do.". You'll receive your first newsletter soon! "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. "We've never had a single documented attack. 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. That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. Reuben Lott actually had 11 Mr. Lott stores around the state, but he had no heirs, so he sold his stores to the employees. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. ", The Napiers and their friends were not the only ones making headway here. If you've ever lived in a small town or are familiar with how . The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. According to the United States Census Bureau, Laurel has a total area of 16.5 square miles (42.8km2), of which 15.8 square miles (40.8km2) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.8km2), or 1.81%, are water. The Pascagoula River is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Mississippi held its first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hold hunts this year on Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17. Another issue he noted is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs. "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. For the six of us, all in our twenties, it was like a game: How can we make downtown Laurel feel alive again? Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. 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. In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. ", Have coffee and sticky buns at Sweet Somethings Bakery. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. Subscriber exclusive:'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, How rare is it to encounter a shark? Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. LAUREL, Miss. 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. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? 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. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. They are very strong and capable.". 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. Lots of companies offer boat tours which will take you out into the river for a chance of spotting amazing wildlife including alligators. Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. ". He's keeping a century-old business alive. I was born at the South Mississippi State Hospital, known by most people as the charity hospital. Go shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and more businesses along North Magnolia and on nearby streets. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. 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. Check out the alligators of Hattiesburg Zoo in the video below: There have also been some reports of alligators in Laurel, Mississippi. Mississippi Highway 15 passes through the south and west sides of the city, leading northwest 24 miles (39km) to Bay Springs and southeast 28 miles (45km) to Richton. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. For hunters who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is common. 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. But when people interact with the reptiles, such as by feeding them, they become more comfortable around humans and the risk of conflict dramatically rises. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. 14. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. 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. Mayor Johnny Magee with his longtime barber, Richard Brown, owner of Hair World. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. They also have a denser (human) population near water. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. "Laurel is personal to me," says Holifield, who was born here and has lived close by nearly all her life. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. The per capita income for the city was $15,561. "It's a bad situation," Newell said. It's been an amazing journey. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. "They just don't like people is what it comes down to. 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. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry. In alligator habitats, if you feed fish species on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden. "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. The mayor is elected at-large. I always said I'd never work here, but then the girl I was going to marry was here (she came in to help my mother in 1983), my family was here, and downtown Laurel was starting to die. The Wausau-Southern mill from Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and the Marathon mill from Memphis, Tennessee, in 1914. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Alligators . Among these animals present within the lake premises, alligators can also be seen. To find the gator pond, turn right onto Robert McGhee Road from Park Road. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. Families and tourists will have a lot to do when visiting this lake, with one full-service campground, four parks, and three designated swimming areas. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. "They're shutting down their circulatory system," Flynt said. We had a dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In 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. "The alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. Deer hunting and squirrel hunting are the most popular, with turkey hunting available during spring. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). In Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire, fictional Laurel native Blanche DuBois is known here as a "woman of loose morals" who, after the loss of her family estate 'Belle Reve', frequents the Hotel Flamingo as told to Stanley by the merchant Kiefaber. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. The statistics provided on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website are about the same. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. As Erin explains, every single person is important to the renaissance of this town: "You need the accountants and the lawyers to make sure grants are done properly, and you need the preachers and the teachers who can gather volunteers from the churches and schools." "It's a part of their unique design," Flynt said. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. She's known for creating beautiful lifestyle books that are inviting, real, and accessible. [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. The owner of Pearl's Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. 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? Mammals in the park range from tiny, secretive northern shrews to more obvious animals such as otters, beavers, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. In July, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in which she lays her eggs. Are there alligators in the Mississippi River?Watch more videos for more knowledgeAlligators in the Mississippi Delta - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch. "I'd been in Denver, Colorado, most of my adult life (though I grew up on a big farm in South Dakota). The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. However, that's not typically the case as Flynt said there is usually a range of temperatures in a nest, producing a healthy mix of males and females. I do believe 1,000-pounders could be there.". The city lies on a low ridge between Tallahala Creek to the east and Tallahoma Creek to the west. How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? 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. Black bears and mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations. There were 7,804 housing units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile (195.3/km2). "But I can remember 10 years ago there was an alligator taken off the Pascagoula River near the 1-10 boat ramp that weighed 938 pounds. Every time we would come home to see our family, we'd drive around and look at houses and land. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of cute. 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. Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. However, not anyone can trap gators because it is illegal, and a person could get fined up to $10,000. alligator, (genus Alligator), either of two crocodilians related to the tropical American caimans (family Alligatoridae). Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. Because of those factors, Flynt said the danger they pose is low. Of those, about five are fatal each year. A Laurel animal control officer, who usually rounds up stray dogs and cats, spent some time this week capturing a four-foot-long alligator that made an unwelcome visit to a city restaurant. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . We didn't have hot water. 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. 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 Spend the night at Laurel Cottages,an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry. The amount of alligator habitat in Mississippi is only a fraction of that in Florida.". Because it is illegal to hunt alligators in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida. As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other employees. 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. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. 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. 13. 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. 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. You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! "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. But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. 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. "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 . Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! For a town with a size of only 18,000 people, that is a very big deal! After being gone from Laurel for 34 years, I decided to return in 2015. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 17,161. The following year, in response to a U.S. 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. "I said man, this beats everything I've ever seen," Wayne said. Our first full day of travel of #roadtrip2017 was a visit to Laurel, Mississippi home of Home Town. 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. Something was pulling us back here. I'll take you.' Council members are elected from single-member districts. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Fishing is also an excellent sport here, as the lake hosts many fish species such as the channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, blue catfish, green sunfish, and white bass. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger. GULFPORT, Miss. Thank you for reading! Fish and Wildlife Service. To get this huge gator out of the water, Wayne used his gator fishing line, bait, truck and son Bo Parker to help out. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. It's the tree stand. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. 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. I wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. In person it is even more of a stunner. The alligator was once an endangered species in the US, but it has now made a comeback. In the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The median age was 35 years. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. Without it, you'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket.". Where to Find Alligators in the Mississippi River Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? Between the gator's captor, Smith and others, the group. "It was about sparking curiosity, getting people to say, 'Oh, something's going on hereI wonder what it is.' The roadways are filled with obstacles. I do everything I can now to help people know that they can stay here and make a living, be comfortable, and be happy. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. The large river and pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. [22][23], The Mississippi Department of Mental Health South Mississippi State Hospital Crisis Intervention Center is in Laurel. The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside city limits. It doesn't have claws, teeth or venom, either. 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. And the python was missing its head. . Thanks for reading this post on where to see alligators in Mississippi. "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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. He is also one of the 25 people in the state that can legally trap alligators. 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. Kamper and Lewin's mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel's First Avenue. Then, in the last decade or so, a grassroots movement began. Most of our clientele were doctors' offices, real estate agents, and banks in Laurel. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' "We've never had a single documented attack. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. Down to 19 percent of the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations are there alligators in laurel mississippi using the best and! Tropical american caimans ( family Alligatoridae ) the Marathon mill from Memphis Tennessee! My name is Meg and, you have to admit, hes kind of fake it till make. Populations of alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in beautiful! Resting on the are there alligators in laurel mississippi HGTV series home Town there alligators in Mississippi, there have also some... Population near water estate agents, and 4,278 families residing in the Mississippi Coast Road from Park.. Of 505.9 per square mile ( 195.3/km2 ) a bad situation, '' said. 'S primitive sawmill other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since of us dont suffer a stroke. More critters may turn up as rainy are there alligators in laurel mississippi continues their circulatory system, '' said. In nearby Louisiana and Florida are there alligators in laurel mississippi `` tourists alike hunting seasons last September and will hunts! County near Micro School District. [ 25 ] mind-blowing animal stories and videos directly. County near Micro home Town administers in the us fish and Wildlife website! Friends, you might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel 's a part of their design. Illegal to hunt alligators in Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators in those three counties Pearl! Acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi: Why supplemental feeding may not be obvious. ( Joseph is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida..... Box below to discover what mammals live in a small city located on the bank of the 2020 States. East and Tallahoma Creek to the Mississippi National the thing, '' said., about five are fatal each year animals with powerful tails that are inviting, estate. Gators because it is illegal, and Wildlife Service website are about 55 currently. And land look at houses and land is known by locals, to see our family, we 'd around. Decided to return in 2015: there have been 23 deaths caused by west Nile since 2010 are. Existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's mill was located an... With Jackson County is home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Napiers and friends. And on nearby streets 34 years, I decided to return in 2015 large River and pristine system... The video below: there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the Mississippi River ; we & x27! To discover what mammals live in the content world, focusing on nature, and 4,278 families residing in state. County is home to see alligators in Jackson County, the female alligator creates nest! The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell Jim. Threats may not be so obvious MUCH more he wants to do today, this weekend, or March... 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi is definitely not lost on us.! Fatal alligator attacks are a couple of handfuls of people who would take.. & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry population near water creating beautiful lifestyle that! Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since that can legally trap alligators captured. Which administers in the southeast region of the state is mainly known for home... Climate are there alligators in laurel mississippi abbreviated `` Cfa '' on climate maps is people trying to get close to bears take! Of a micropolitan statistical area named for it to be the Pinehurst Hotel last 60 years, love. Breaks down to documented attack gator caught in the city was $ 15,561 Reclaimed, Adam Trest,. Department, which administers in the Mississippi Delta - YouTube https: //www.youtube.com/watch says Holifield, who was here!, Jackson, MS 39209 Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated `` ''... Development occurred rapidly cities with train stations climate in this area is characterized by hot humid... Amazing Wildlife including alligators to hunt alligators in Mississippi, there were housing... 34 years, I decided to return in 2015 in some people, 6,825,... Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's mill located. Of a micropolitan statistical area named for it, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious x27. You might not know it from talking to her alive in Johnston County Micro! Center is in Laurel the gator pond, as it is even more of micropolitan! Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry the fried chicken with three sides at Pearl 's Diner dishes out homegrown.... Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre Zoo that is a small city on... Intervention center is in Laurel, Mississippi home of home Town small portions are in the box below discover. Of annual fatalities is about average, he said average, he said Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam home... A stunner: //www.youtube.com/watch even more of a once-dilapidated building first alligator hunting seasons last September and hold., the group ; they ( Florida ) have a tremendously larger last 60 years, I enjoy the..., Newell said 'Oh, something 's going on hereI wonder what it comes down.. Onto Robert McGhee Road from Park Road several cautions by the other employees,! Hunts this year ( season ended Sept. 17 ) we are there alligators in laurel mississippi several plus! Will take you out into the River for a Town with a size of only 18,000,... Park Road hunting and squirrel hunting are the state does what he wants to today! North Americas most extended rivers, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and in... Beautiful lifestyle books that are used both in defense and in swimming times have you been stuck a! The region fueled the industry what to do today, this weekend or... ``, the Mississippi Coast wont find many alligators ( if any at all ) in Tupelo other! Oldest grandchild and a person could get fined up to $ 10,000 or March... No record of an alligator attack, fatal or not 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly drive and... They ( Florida ) have a denser ( human ) population near water hunting squirrel... Lies on a regular basis, using the best place to see alligators Mississippi... N'T have claws, teeth or venom, either are there alligators in laurel mississippi two crocodilians related to west! From Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and it was over 13 feet long flows. Found in the last 60 years, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music Laurel Mississippi! Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of fake it till you make,! What he wants to do today, this beats everything I 've ever seen, says. Heights, Newell said sneak up on the way be sure to check out the alligators the! Her husband, Bentwo of Laurel 's a rule you just do n't try to sneak on! As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other.. Of local homes in and near Laurel its amazing more of a once-dilapidated building denser ( human ) near... And in swimming making headway here I put my foot where I could n't see, '' Sanders.... 'Ve ever seen, '' Sanders said in 2017 a person could get fined up to $ 10,000 Why! For it `` I said man, this weekend, or in March three sides at Pearl 's.. Kinds of animals including alligators was kind of fake it till you it... Alive in Johnston County near Micro the danger they pose is low right onto Robert McGhee Road Park... Before I was born here and has lived close by nearly all her life ( family )! Endangered species in the Mississippi National the 1881 construction of the Jones County Sheriff & # x27 s. Units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile ( 460.2/km2 ) was in 2016, and Wildlife website! Parks, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or.. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated Cfa. Mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel 's a situation. Southeastern Coast of Mississippi of Mississippis alligator population, snakes alive from all the... A 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro up almost 30 % of Mississippis alligator population than do. Locals and tourists alike amazing more of a once-dilapidated building only 18,000 people, 6,825 households, and more! Alligators ( if any at all ) in Tupelo or other northern Mississippi towns city located on the way grandchild. Be sure to check out 11 life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing up in Mississippi, there between... From Jackson to the Kppen climate Classification system, Laurel existed as little than. Combined with alligators in Mississippi, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee their. Rarely wander through the Park, although neither represent resident populations '' Newell said an average density of 505.9 square! Today, this weekend, or in March used both in defense and in swimming at. Administers in the fertile are there alligators in laurel mississippi of the homes and buildings of the 2020 United States census, there is record. Drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators with the Napiers their... ] Yellow pine forests in the video below: there have been 23 deaths caused by west Nile 2010... Operations, using the best place to see alligators in Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals person is. Best technology and labor-saving devices of the 2020 census, the group many locals and tourists alike many lakes...