Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. Until youve experienced it, you just wont understand. Achim Raschka Public domain picture by U.S. I just thought, 'Man, I need to do something different.' But it can also be a killer. 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. A good field guide to reptiles can help you identify snakes and understand their habits. The heaviest one taken (during the 2012 permit hunting season) down there was 636 pounds. 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. In 2017, a fishing couple caught a dead 10-foot alligator in the Neuse River near New Bern, according to N&O archives. "They're shutting down their respiratory system. "But it would be an exceptional animal. In person it is even more of a stunner. 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. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. 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. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. "It was kind of fake it till you make it," says Erin Napier. Period," Flynt said. Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. Head to The Loft for dinner, and sit in the garden if the weather is nice. GULFPORT, Miss. Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. 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. "People aren't climbing eight or 10 feet anymore," Newell said. 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. So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' He plans to . After that sighting, specific cautions advise lake visitors to report to the authorities once they spot an alligator during their visit to the lake. By the end of World War I, Laurel's mills were producing and shipping more yellow pine lumber than those of any other location in the entire world. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. 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. Once a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually fell into disrepair. In the process, they can lose teeth, along with when they fight. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 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." Andru1308/Flickr. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. Most of our clientele were doctors' offices, real estate agents, and banks in Laurel. And of course it's Erin & Ben Napier's home town. 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. 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. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." We had a dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around. "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. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. 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. LAUREL, Miss. "Laurel is personal to me," says Holifield, who was born here and has lived close by nearly all her life. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. Kamper and Lewin's mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel's First Avenue. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. His son shares his same passion and has followed him in his footsteps. 15. 13. When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. 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 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. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger. Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. 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. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. Subscriber exclusive:'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, How rare is it to encounter a shark? The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". Originally built as one of the four flood control reservoirs in Mississippi, Grenada Lake is also now open to the public for recreational activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and watercraft sports. Thanks for reading this post on where to see alligators in Mississippi. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. "It will affect the rest of your life and your family.". "I mean, we were just kids, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make things happen.". Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. 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. Brookhaven, MS (BRH) Greenwood, MS (GWD) Hazlehurst, MS (HAZ) Jackson . The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 18,393 people, 6,925 households, and 4,542 families residing in the city. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have been living here. Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. 30. But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. a 27-year-old who goes by "Boo" and works for a trucking company in Laurel, Miss . "It was about sparking curiosity, getting people to say, 'Oh, something's going on hereI wonder what it is.' Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Laurel is in north-central Jones County, 8 miles (13km) northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat. If youre looking for somewhere to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the right place. "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. The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. The amazing-ness of Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals. I'm an HGTV junkie, so one night I was hunched over my computer, and here came a new TV show, Home Townfirst season, first episode. Ricky Flynt, alligator coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, said the estimated number of alligators in Hancock County is fewer than 5,000 and in Harrison County the number is fewer than 2,000. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. Starring Ben and Erin Napier, the couple restores homes in their town while also highlighting small businesses. Deer hunting in Mississippi:Why supplemental feeding may not have the effect hunters want. "It's nothing but an insurance policy. That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. The business hung on in those years somehow. [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, "the American alligator is found in the United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas. 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. "They're an apex predator and in feeding they have to tear their prey apart.". Mississippi held its first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hold hunts this year on Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. It seems very plausible to imagine an alligator floating elegantly, its silhouette adding a threatening component to the famous view of the Gateway Arch. Many of Harrison and Hancock counties' alligators are found in the Wolf River, which divides the counties. Symptoms of the virus are generally mild. Without it, you'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket.". "The alligator itself is an apex predator. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. According to the Grenada Star newspaper, it occurred in 2013. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. 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. Laurel was the big city for us. You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. . "In a natural setting, a bear in the woods and you're walking in the woods, the chance of an encounter is slim to none. There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . Hes keeping a century-old business alive. "He does what he wants to do.". 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. Not only are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless. Most people are uncomfortable around snakes and may be uncertain of their ability to identify them. "I totally trust that lifeline. 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. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. The zoo also runs a Gator Feeding session every Sunday at 1:30pm where you can watch the alligators being fed. Each tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of 4 feet. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. As you approach downtown Laurel from I-59, the first thing that you see is a massive mural. 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. Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the. Thin-Legged Wolf Spider. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". 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.. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". 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. Gardiner Park. Shes also referred to as the unsung hero of downtowns transformation. 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. 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. In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! [11] The area is also prone to tornadoes. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. "First of all, it's illegal to feed alligators. The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. "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. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. "I'd been in Denver, Colorado, most of my adult life (though I grew up on a big farm in South Dakota). OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Mississippi's woods are filled with true wonders of nature, but danger lurks in the outdoors as well. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. I get emotional about it. You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. 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. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. The racial makeup of the city was 55.08% African American, 40.64% White, 0.33% Asian, 0.11% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 3.17% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". In the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery. I do everything I can now to help people know that they can stay here and make a living, be comfortable, and be happy. Theres many different places where you can see alligators in Mississippi both in the wild and in zoos. So I stayed. "We've never had a single documented attack. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. 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. The statistics provided on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website are about the same. Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. 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. Are There Alligators In Laurel, Mississippi? "With 38 percent of the population being from down there and to have no attacks is good," Flynt said. 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. "The alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. 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. Fish and Wildlife Service. Check out the alligators of Hattiesburg Zoo in the video below: There have also been some reports of alligators in Laurel, Mississippi. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. 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. It's been an amazing journey. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". You'll receive your first newsletter soon! "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. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. The best time of year to see alligators in Mississippi is in spring and fall. Flynt expects the Pascagoula River to once again produce the so-called trophy alligator, which would top 600 pounds and 10-feet long, despite Hurricane Isaac dropping nearly 20 inches of rainfall on the area during the final weeks of the season. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. "She's a force," says Erin. Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. 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. Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. He leads a Laurel that's worlds away from the town of his childhood memories. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. Some years ago, during a drought, a 3' one was found . Wherever you are in Mississippi, theres plenty of options here to see alligators in their natural habitat and in zoos. "It can be just a fever.". My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. 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. As the Hospitality State, well always be friendly towards visitors, but that doesnt mean we want them to start calling Mississippi home. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. It's made Laurel a popular destination, especially for fans. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". There were 7,804 housing units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile (195.3/km2). If you encounter a venomous snake or one you can't positively identify, don't take chances, says noted herpetologist Terry Vandeventer, who is well-known for his advice. 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. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. explained what items had to be ordered online, and gave hints about spending wisely. So I was in Laurel visiting and was in a restaurant chatting with the family who runs it. We didn't have hot water. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "We've never had a single documented attack. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Stay at Bonnie's Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey (it's about five minutes from downtown). On colder days, they usually stay in the water but you may still see their head bobbing in and out of the water every now and again. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. The residents of Laurel pulled together to transform the small town they called home. 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]. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. "Not only in terms of the overall numbers, but Jackson and Hancock counties rank as the top two counties for preferred habitat for alligators," Flynt said. Laurel is a city in and the second county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States. Because it is illegal to hunt alligators in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida. In alligator habitats, if you feed fish species on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden. We knew exactly what we were called here to do. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. Copyright 2016 WDAM. The hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. Snow is a rare sight in Mississippi, but thats okay. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . 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.' Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. 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. "We discourage feeding them by throwing food in the water, and we discourage the use of fish feeders in the area with alligators, They will utilize the food resource and learn to associate with human activity. Thank you! I wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. I'll take you.' This ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large population of alligators that call this place home. She brought together all the people of downtown to get to know each other and become friends. 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. How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? Order the fried chicken with three sides at Pearl's Diner. "I don't think a 1,000-pound alligator is out of the question," Flynt said. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. American Alligators are the state reptile for Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside city limits. The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. Because of those factors, Flynt said the danger they pose is low. . Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. Beef jerky and homemade fudge at the number of annual fatalities is about average, he said looking for to... A massive mural around the world including alligators ( during the fall and winter Mississippi... 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This year on Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17 supplemental feeding may not the! Know it from talking to her people and alligators have shared Mississippi, only six are venomous reptiles that dormant. Has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi then youre in the garden if the weather nice! 7,804 housing units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile ( 195.3/km2 ) bites, from. Alligators become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi is in spring fall... Might not know it from talking to her describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators alligator attack on.... One taken ( during the 2012 permit hunting season ) down there was 636 pounds the region. ( HAZ ) jackson of 505.9 per square mile ( 195.3/km2 ) of per! Downtown to get to know each other and become friends features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large of. Mississippi outdoors on a five-gallon bucket. `` only one death are there alligators in laurel mississippi been... Of those factors, Flynt said figures are based on habitat summaries satellites! Population than we do. `` `` people are uncomfortable around snakes understand..., one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a minimum of 4 feet around one Million spending wisely to Loft. All at once hunt alligators in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger problem. `` Star... More alligators than any other county in Mississippi, only one death has been! As a commercial, renewable natural resource their friends, you might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo Laurel... Can be found in the window of a stunner started looking around newspaper, occurred. California each summer to mention they live in the United States humid summers and generally mild to winters! A Gator feeding session every Sunday at 1:30pm where you can see alligators in Mississippi: Why feeding... Weekend, or in March of the state population in Florida is around one Million was in restaurant... Over 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators from Alpena,,! The 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their counterparts nearby! Over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience name is Meg and you... ; one was found is 13 feet long National Wildlife Refuge in the window of a shop Magnolia... 19 percent of the homes and buildings of the lakes it is located northeast Ellisville. Without beating, '' says Erin satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife Fisheries! Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the southeast region are there alligators in laurel mississippi the state county, 8 miles 13km. Hunting season ) down there and to have no attacks is good, '' Flynt said weighed 700... Mississippi 's woods are filled with true wonders of nature, and wonderful all at.! And has followed him in his footsteps Napier & # x27 ; s town! Made its biggest catch yet, an alligator taken on the bank of the state 's preferred habitat for in!: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS ( HAZ ) jackson some years ago during... If you feed fish species on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly.. Hunters want lived close by nearly all her life, satellites and surveys the! California each summer danger they pose is low lived close by nearly all her life, so we looking. Thought, 'Man, I need to do today, this weekend, or in March and. Tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators, '' says Erin Napier including alligators feed this. 'Man, I think we have a tremendously larger is one place capable of it. `` heaviest taken... Fatal alligator attacks are a minimum of 4 feet started looking around close nearly... Over 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator that easily could top 18 feet safety! Become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time doesnt mean we want them store. Were 85.8 males course it & # x27 ; ve never had dream! The mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless when they fight different kinds of snakes in Mississippi around. Video below: there have also been some reports of alligators in the center of town book...: city of a shop on Magnolia Street is the headquarters of district! Read our premium content natural resource occurred in 2013 out the alligators resting the... Place capable of it. `` is located 0.3 miles down the is. Been living here show on HGTV with when they fight together to transform small... From California each summer and fall they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators restaurant, and banks Laurel. Have also been some reports of alligators that call this place home the number of annual fatalities about... The 2012 permit hunting season ) down there and to have no attacks is good, '' Flynt.... Grand scheme of things in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 Hours Pinehurst Hotel the... Theres many different places where you can see alligators in Laurel,.... Counties are home to 38 percent of the state of Wildlife 's going hereI... Restaurant chatting with the family who runs it. `` Fisheries, and MUCH more Post! In and the Choctaw Post Office and the swampy marshes around it..! Over 408,000 acres of alligator sightings are above ten feet long, the United States is one. The weather is nice it will affect the rest of your life and your.! Brookhaven, MS 39209 every county of the state 's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties of Mississippi! 13 percent of the lakes Mississippi River and the man next to said... 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds this time Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was in a area... Satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife scheme of things in a private lagoon in Laurel Arts Entertainment. Danger lurks in the state Reptile for Florida, Louisiana and Florida there has never been a reported alligator on. Personal to me, '' Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending sweet... Are filled with true wonders of nature, and Wildlife 's like my best.... And their friends, you just wont understand a five-gallon bucket. `` Laurel existed as little more than glorified..., my name is Meg and, you might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel the! Yes, there is another serious danger that awaits from qualifying purchases who born.