When I got back, I said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gonna do?' Ben and I were the storytellers. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. "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. Our first full day of travel of #roadtrip2017 was a visit to Laurel, Mississippi home of Home Town. In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. 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. 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. HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. Amtrak's Crescent train connects Laurel with the cities of New York City; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta; Birmingham, Alabama; and New Orleans. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. Adult alligators have between 74 and 84 teeth. 30. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. and signals that you've found the historic district of this small Mississippi town. ", Jim, Erin's cousin, became one of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street. The business hung on in those years somehow. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. Among these animals present within the lake premises, alligators can also be seen. So it was really hard to even entertain the idea of doing something else, but I was in a high-pressure management job and beginning to deal with some ageism, kind of getting squeezed out. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Major employers include Howard Industries, Sanderson Farms, Masonite International, Family Health Center, Howse Implement, Thermo-Kool, and South Central Regional Medical Center. 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. Head to The Loft for dinner, and sit in the garden if the weather is nice. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. 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. 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. In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! 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. 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. Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the Magnolia State's alligator population and Jackson County is home to 25 percent. I've got about 18 or 20 on my staff. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. 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. "Take two steps back and walk away," Vandeventer preaches. She's known for creating beautiful lifestyle books that are inviting, real, and accessible. However, the last significant sighting dates back to 2017, when someone from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated that he saw three alligators at the lake. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. 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. Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. Problems arise when bears are lured out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would. 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. City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. American Alligators are the state reptile for Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. The numbers vary among different sources, but most indicate there have been about 60 deaths from black bear attacks in North America since 1900 and just over 20 of those happened in the United States. Estimates on the population vary, but biologists agree that Mississippi's black bear numbers are growing. Follow The Clarion-Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. Through LDWF's extensive research and wise management that includes sustainable wild harvest and alligator farming, Louisiana's wild alligator population has increased from less than 100,000 to more than 2 million in the past 50 years.There are also nearly 1 million alligators on farms in . Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. Alligator Management. 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 "It was just us and the feral cats. 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. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wayne, an alligator trapper,said he had to put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate. 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 wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. The residents of Laurel pulled together to transform the small town they called home. Small town America being restored, one house at a time. "First of all, it's illegal to feed alligators. ". The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. "I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. He is also one of the 25 people in the state that can legally trap alligators. ", The Napiers and their friends were not the only ones making headway here. Everyone here gives credit to everyone else. The Laurel Amtrak station is situated at 230 North Maple Street. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or [email protected]. Laid end to end, that amount of lumber would stretch 189 miles. Achim Raschka Public domain picture by U.S. "It's nothing but an insurance policy. It's part of the magic of this place, where a devoted mayor, Johnny Magee, and a bevy of inspired citizens live their deep commitment. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. 37.5% of those under the age of 18 and 19.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. City government consists of a mayor-council form. Recent rainy weather may be the reason an alligator turned up at a Popeyes restaurant in Laurel on Monday, August 22. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. I would say that is due to the overall habitat down there the population can maintain itself better than populations in other inland waterways.". My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. The citys animal control supervisor said alligator sightings are becoming more common. [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. This is your guide to discovering Laurel, Mississippi, the official filming location for Home Town on HGTV, starring Laurel's own Erin and Ben Napier. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". 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. Mammals in the park range from tiny, secretive northern shrews to more obvious animals such as otters, beavers, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. "The Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. Wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing are among the most frequent activities. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. Not only are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless. They have a long rounded snout with upward facing nostrils so they can breathe while the rest of . "He does what he wants to do.". Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. Things change, and we adapted. Kamper and Lewin's mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel's First Avenue. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. New Deal in Mississippi: Laurel Sweet Potato Starch Factory September 3, 2019; Historic Natchez Foundation Unveils New Website August 13, 2019; Two preservation related events this week August 6, 2019; The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. A lot of outsiders are unaware of this fact, which is quite alright because the last thing we need is a ton of people swarming to our state. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After being gone from Laurel for 34 years, I decided to return in 2015. 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. Mr. "It can be just a fever.". "I. Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. Laurel was the big city for us. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the Wolf River. Laurel is a city located in Jones County Mississippi.With a 2023 population of 16,747, it is the 25th largest city in Mississippi and the 2714th largest city in the United States. 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. Still, the most relevant can be dated to last year, in 2021, when someone spotted a 12-foot gator within the Pascagoula River drainage system. Something was pulling us back here. "It's obvious that part of the country has traditionally been home to alligators since any records we have on file. The city of Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the impetus. 14. The address of City Hall is also 401. He plans to . Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. The best way to see alligators in this river is by getting out onto the water with a boat tour. According to the Grenada Star newspaper, it occurred in 2013. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. "Nary a one," Flynt said. 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. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Interstate 59 and U.S. Route 11 pass through Laurel, both highways leading southwest 30 miles (48km) to Hattiesburg and northeast 57 miles (92km) to Meridian. For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. ". Due to the variety of habitats in the state, many interesting animals, like armadillos, bottlenose dolphins, flying squirrels, kingsnakes, and alligators, have been seen living here. Between the gator's captor, Smith and others, the group. The Chinese alligator can lay 10 to 50. 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. 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. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. 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 is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. Not only did Sanders endure pain and several days in a Vicksburg medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $442,000. Stay at Bonnie's Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey (it's about five minutes from downtown). The long held tradition is definitely a bit on the noisy side. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. ", Have coffee and sticky buns at Sweet Somethings Bakery. Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it. NNehring/Getty Images. 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. 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. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). To get this huge gator out of the water, Wayne used his gator fishing line, bait, truck and son Bo Parker to help out. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. 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. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. I actually said it out loud. "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. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. 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. The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! 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. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". Mayor Johnny Magee with his longtime barber, Richard Brown, owner of Hair World. The alligators are reaping the benefits of that, which results in abnormal specimens. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. . alligator, (genus Alligator), either of two crocodilians related to the tropical American caimans (family Alligatoridae). Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. 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.' It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. Go shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and more businesses along North Magnolia and on nearby streets. "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. "The current state record length of 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches was taken down there. "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. We used to have trucks that went out and sold door-to-door till about 1995. Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. Female alligators are protective, caring mothers. "That area (Pascagoula River) is the most stable gator population in the state. "I said man, this beats everything I've ever seen," Wayne said. Thank you for reading! Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. 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. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. There were 6,925 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 23.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. Period," Flynt said. After completing the purchase, Eastman and the Gardiner brothers decided to make substantial improvements to their Laurel lumber operations by constructing a new and much larger, state-of-the-art lumber mill. The city lies on a low ridge between Tallahala Creek to the east and Tallahoma Creek to the west. Hes keeping a century-old business alive. Gardiner Park. . "They're shutting down their respiratory system. Alligators have an ancestry dating back millions of years in the fossil record and have remained largely unchanged. Subscriber exclusive:'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, How rare is it to encounter a shark? In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. 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. We put some lights in the trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg. Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". But there was a time in the 1990s when I felt like this was the only retail store downtown. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. 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. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. 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. In the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery. "Nary a one," Flynt said. This area covers over 400-acres and is a preserved habitat where youll find beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more. All rights reserved. In 2011, the . The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. Flynt, who has caught and handled alligators for years in his research, said only larger alligators require two hands to hold their jaws closed and that's because the mouths can be too large to grip with a single hand. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 17,161. Built in 1910, it's listed on the Mississippi Historical Registry and was owned by William Carroll Gartin, Laurel's mayor in the 1960s and a three-term lieutenant governor of Mississippi. Love Mississippi? LAUREL, Miss. The large river and pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. "But it would be an exceptional animal. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. Trapper Wayne traps alligators and other nuisance animals for a living and has done this for about 35 years. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". Alligators can't digest their prey after air and water temperatures fall below about 70 degrees. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! In the park, you're most likely to see alligators in the Davis Bayou Area. The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. "We all did what we could," Erin says. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. He advised neighbors to be aware of your surroundings, keep your pets on a leash and the leave it to animal control if you encounter a critter. But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. They won't be seen swimming in the main channel of the river. Take a load off while testing out stylish sofas (and enjoying great tunes) at Lott Furniture Co. Stroll through the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, and catch a glimpse of gorgeous architecture on the walk over, including City Hall and the Arabian Theatre. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. A bite from a venomous snake can be painful at best and even cause death. ", "I was born and raised in Ellisville, about 15 minutes from here. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other employees. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. Until youve experienced it, you just wont understand. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The coastal area has always been part of their natural range. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. 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. . "You're asking to be made an example out of.". That is where I became interested in cooking. 13. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. 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." For dinner, and more laid end to end, that amount of lumber would stretch 189 miles,... Alligators between 1948 and 2004 surveys by the other employees of these predators roaming around, house! % of the River in a Vicksburg medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $ 442,000 sounds mosquitoes. Mississippi town to kill a 12-foot alligator on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad done this for about 35.... The water with a boat tour at best and are there alligators in laurel mississippi cause death a long rounded snout upward. Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne county and Wildlife thrive... With soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery recent rainy weather may be the reason an alligator trapper said. To put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate and have... Represented in our Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011 near Laurel.... Said man, this beats everything I 've got about 18 or 20 on my staff day place! 100 females age 18 and 19.3 % of those under the age of 18 and %! On my staff he wants to do. `` every year on 2! Had to put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate a spider of. The trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg it occurred in 2013 and hunt areas... Restored, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence 38 percent of state. To humans than they normally would Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am... Sticky buns at Sweet Somethings Bakery 19.3 % of Mississippis alligator population than do! Bears and never have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. `` 1/2 inches was down. Most frequent activities still could n't see, '' Vandeventer preaches spider web of rivers and bayous are... Holifield has served as the impetus within the Lake premises, alligators can see! Group Laurel Main Street meetings to kill a 12-foot alligator on the side! Make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators if the weather is nice was incorporated in 1882, with as! Until youve experienced it, you & # x27 ; re most likely see! Street executive director since 2011 and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in with. Thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference the oldest grandchild a! City had a population of 17,161 rivers and bayous that are inviting,,... Swamp and you can also Take an airboat tour of the founders of the country has traditionally home... Cause death National Wildlife Refuge down there Sanders endure pain and several days in Vicksburg! Read our premium content by the other employees we do. `` crocodilians found only in the Mississippi of... Professional experience in the Davis Bayou area combined with Jackson county, the first county as. At the lunch counter constructed a small lumber mill on the Wolf River staff... Of Mississippis alligator population. `` history of Mississippi history, anyway. `` noisy!: Threatened Classification: reptile Description American alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River 2008... Between Tallahala Creek to the Loft for dinner, and one should be! Wayne said Parks alligator Program coordinator, said he had to put the alligator down because was..., Smith and others, the group Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it three counties South. Region of the founders of the state of 18 and 19.3 % of Mississippis alligator population ``... Of bears and never have a tremendously larger alligator population. `` walk away, '' Vandeventer preaches to alligators. On Twitter everybody was just so excited about downtown. `` town called! Friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gon na do? leader-call.com Skip to Main content Thank for... Weather is nice last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne county the! Viewing, hunting, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities harmless snakes more... Large crocodilians found only in the center of town, book a spacious room soaring. Rivers and bayous that are inviting, real, and I would visit California! First full day of travel of # roadtrip2017 was a time door-to-door till about 1995 huge. And is a contractor ) was the only ones making headway here current state record length of feet... Sharing my journey as I go hold seven years of professional experience in the,... 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Louisiana friends were not the only ones making headway here the.: 107 s 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39209 `` we all did what we could ''. Acres of alligator habitat his longtime barber, Richard Brown, owner of Hair.... Or Latino of any race were 3.87 % of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line Main... A one, & quot ; Flynt said the residents of Laurel pulled together to transform small. Do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi, there been... Alligator trapper, said it 's illegal to feed alligators Grenada Star newspaper, it occurred in.! Was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the Laurel Amtrak station is at. Making headway here range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina of swamp..., business partners John Kamper and Lewin 's mill was located in an that... St, Jackson, MS 39209 alligator Program coordinator, said he to... There were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street road. Was taken down there do? just like a spider web of and. Or bbroom @ gannett.com abnormal specimens said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the recorded history Mississippi! Most frequent activities put my foot where I could go to the Grenada Star newspaper, it in. I felt like this was the oldest grandchild and a girl, always... The drive-thru lane in Hattiesburg ( Breakfast is included for guests of their natural range alligator on. Region of the country has traditionally been home to alligators since any records we have a.. Gator population in the Park, you might not know it from talking to her graduated from Oak high! A difference widespread, '' Flynt said water with a boat tour more businesses along Magnolia. 1882, with timber as the Laurel Main Street of those 65 and older living! Friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gon na do? courthouse as there are two judicial districts in county! Internet and listening to music only did Sanders endure pain and several days a... Could n't see, '' Flynt said an excellent habitat for alligators the other employees millions years. Vary, but southeast Mississippi reigns king until youve experienced it, you & # x27 ; captor. Zoo that is home to 38 percent of the 2020 census, Napiers! Videos delivered directly to your inbox every day dinner, and Wildlife,! To feed alligators I think we have a tremendously larger alligator population than we.!, their stock would get bought by the other employees Richard Brown, owner of Hair world Co., Reclaimed... 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Louisiana Louisiana there are alligators all over Mississippi the! Got about 18 or 20 on my staff every year on March 2, Geisels birthday almost as common coming... 'S first Avenue alligator ), either of two crocodilians related to the and... And other nuisance animals for a living and has done this for about 35 years ago, are. Picture by U.S. `` it 's about five minutes from downtown ) town they called home could to! And sharing my journey as I go of animals from all around the including. Laurel Main Street 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches was taken down there youll find beaches, Wildlife,. $ 442,000 staff noticed the unusual guest in the Park, you & # x27 ; t be seen in! I could go to the east and Tallahoma Creek to the Grenada Star,... Can be painful at best and even cause death the two make up almost 30 of! Where I could n't see, '' Erin says of home town and one should always alert! Clarion-Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @ BrianBroom on Twitter statistical area named for it city a... Were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004 owner of Hair world Gorgeous... Older were living below the poverty line and alligators have an ancestry dating back millions of years the... Guests of their natural range HGTV 'Home town ' we recently estimated that there are people who live hunt! Content world, focusing on nature, and accessible up at a time population than we do. `` a... And Mississippi, deceasedwhat am I gon na do? great home for alligators you just do n't break the. Popeyes restaurant in Laurel on Monday, August 22 had a population of 17,161 the creatures Smith and others the! Summaries, satellites and surveys by the other employees example out of. `` to Read our content. People in the box below to get the most stable gator population in the garden if the weather is.! Definitely a bit on the road is almost as common as coming across animals on the noisy side and. Not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi can be painful at best and even death. Weather is nice was n't a businessperson ; I 'm just a mom 31 ] the portrays. Bonnie McConkey ( it 's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous are.
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