Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are placed on top of their long head and project slightly above the water when the reptiles float at the surface, as they . The name of the hunter was not released. "I don't think a 1,000-pound alligator is out of the question," Flynt said. "She's a force," says Erin. I've got about 18 or 20 on my staff. That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. Whena tooth breaks off, a new one grows to take its place. This story was originally published February 20 . Here are just a handful of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town. [11] The area is also prone to tornadoes. All rights reserved. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. . 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. We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. Now there are probably 40. For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. 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. Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. Female alligators are protective, caring mothers. By the 1990s, its downtown was mostly abandoned, with businesses shuttered and buildings crumbling. 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. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). 8. [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. "It's obvious that part of the country has traditionally been home to alligators since any records we have on file. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. So I was in Laurel visiting and was in a restaurant chatting with the family who runs it. Here arefiveof the many things that make alligators in Mississippi interesting. 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. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. 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. People are investing in their townnot to garner attention or elevate property values but simply to make Laurel better because this is where they want to stay and work and enjoy life. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. Tallahoma Creek joins Tallahala Creek south of Laurel, and Tallahala Creek continues south to join the Leaf River, part of the Pascagoula River watershed. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in the Davis Bayous area in Ocean Springs right on Mississippis southern coast. I do everything I can now to help people know that they can stay here and make a living, be comfortable, and be happy. "It's a bad situation," Newell said. ':Alligator kills Mississippi woman's dog. 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. HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. 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. FollowClarion LedgerOutdoors on Facebookand @BrianBroom onTwitter. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . 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 . A longtime resident, she served as executive director of Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020. Well, it's a sign of the times. A good field guide to reptiles can help you identify snakes and understand their habits. In the park, you're most likely to see alligators in the Davis Bayou Area. "The alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. According to TWRA, all of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the extreme southwest part of the state. 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. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. 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. and signals that you've found the historic district of this small Mississippi town. Andru1308/Flickr. Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. Mississippi does have six types of venomous snakes: copperhead, coral snake, pygmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, canebrake or timber rattlesnake, and cottonmouth or water moccasin. They also have a denser (human) population near water. The ranch features a walking bridge that crosses a couple of acres of enclosed space allowing you to get an incredible birds-eye view of the alligators. I really could see it. 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. 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. 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. "I said man, this beats everything I've ever seen," Wayne said. He's keeping a century-old business alive. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? Without it, you'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket.". ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. Because it is illegal to hunt alligators in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida. I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. The Wausau-Southern mill from Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and the Marathon mill from Memphis, Tennessee, in 1914. Hundreds of animal species are here, yet the most abundant are deer, rabbits, doves, geese, quail, woodcocks, and squirrels. We had a dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. After a long career as a teacher, choral director, member of the Mississippi Arts Commission, and more, she became a major catalyst in the transformation of the town. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. Comprised of various natural habitats such as wetlands, woods, forests, grasslands, and beach fronts, it is no surprise that wildlife is diverse and plentiful in the southern state of Mississippi. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. 28.9% of the population and 21.4% of families were below the poverty line. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. 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. The best way to see alligators in this river is by getting out onto the water with a boat tour. 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. They're expending no energy and they're living off body fat.". And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. 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. . 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. As you approach downtown Laurel from I-59, the first thing that you see is a massive mural. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. "They're an apex predator and in feeding they have to tear their prey apart.". Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm. I started doing research into all these different places. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. Alligator Management. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. They are very strong and capable.". It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 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. From the friendly people to the mouthwatering food, we are fully aware of what a gem of a state Mississippi is. It is also popular among wildlife enthusiasts for opportunities to encounter a wide range of species within a small radius. Until youve experienced it, you just wont understand. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for 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. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". An alligator estimated to be about 10 feet long caused quite a stir along Highway 11 north near Thermo-kool, a short distance south of 24th Street in Laurel. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' "We've never had a single documented attack. It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. [22][23], The Mississippi Department of Mental Health South Mississippi State Hospital Crisis Intervention Center is in Laurel. All rights reserved. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. 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. "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' Flynt explained that the muscles used to bite down on prey are extremely strong, those used to open their mouths aren't. Recent rainy weather may be the reason an alligator turned up at a Popeyes restaurant in Laurel on Monday, August 22. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. Love Mississippi? Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. . (Book onlinehe stays busy!). Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. They have a long rounded snout with upward facing nostrils so they can breathe while the rest of . That is where I became interested in cooking. 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. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. Stay at Bonnie's Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey (it's about five minutes from downtown). Despite the many alligators in South Mississippi, Flynt said alligators are not a direct threat to humans unless an animal is fed by humans on a regular basis. Mammals in the park range from tiny, secretive northern shrews to more obvious animals such as otters, beavers, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. Flynt said Mississippi has a solid alligator population of about 50,000, and 25 percent of that total population call the Pascagoula River basin home. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. "West Nile can be self-limited," said Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi Medical Center chairman of Emergency Medicine. Nearly everyone you talk to in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the community. Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. The large river and pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. It's the tree stand. Then, in the last decade or so, a grassroots movement began. "They just don't like people is what it comes down to. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. That's all good. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. Studies found that inAmerican alligatoreggs, incubation at 93 degrees and above produces mostly males, while incubation at or lower than 86degrees produces mostly females. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. Problems arise when bears are lured out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would. I'll take you.' According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". 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. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. For hunters who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is common. Symptoms of the virus are generally mild. "With 38 percent of the population being from down there and to have no attacks is good," Flynt said. Males had a median income of $27,077 versus $17,336 for females. Mrs Catherine Gardiner, the wife of one of the lumber barons, engaged the firm of Fredrick Law Olmstead to landscape a city parkway system for tiny Laurel. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. 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. Shes also referred to as the unsung hero of downtowns transformation. 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; So I stayed. 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. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. Keep your eyes peeled on the water and you might just spot an alligator. Not only are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless. The business hung on in those years somehow. 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 Laurel Amtrak station is situated at 230 North Maple Street. Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. Each tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of 4 feet. The Chinese alligator can lay 10 to 50. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A Jones County family business traps nuisance animals that people are scared of like snakes, bats and even alligators. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. I kept a journal online, and I mocked up some murals in Photoshop. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. After being gone from Laurel for 34 years, I decided to return in 2015. 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. 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. "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. 37.5% of those under the age of 18 and 19.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. With two rat terriers trotting at his heels, and a long wooden staff in his hand, J.R. Gavin leads me through the woods to one of the old swamp hide-outs. 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. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. But it didn't always seem that way. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. 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. 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. Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. Common throughout North America, the Thin-Legged Wolf Spider will send chills down your spine just by looking at it! It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. You might even spot one eating a fish! A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel. We put some lights in the trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg. 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. The following year, in response to a U.S. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". 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. That animal would likely come from the Pascagoula River basin that's filled with swamp grass, trees, baitfish and other animals. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. "That rating of a two goes to a nine or 10," Flynt said. That's my measure. Laurel is a city in and the second county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States. 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. "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. "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. "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. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. I watched the town die and saw the people try to save it." Kamper and Lewin's mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel's First Avenue. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. American Alligators are the state reptile for Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Estimates on the population vary, but biologists agree that Mississippi's black bear numbers are growing. "It's nothing but an insurance policy. (WHLT) An alligator must really love that chicken from Popeyes! 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. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. ". Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. "It can be just a fever.". By 1891, Kamper's company was on the verge of bankruptcy, leading Kamper to sell the mill and extensive land holdings in the area (more than 15,000 acres), to Clinton, Iowa, lumber barons Lauren Chase Eastman and George and Silas Gardiner, founders of the Eastman-Gardiner Company. 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. You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! Wayne, an alligator trapper, said he had to put the. "It was about sparking curiosity, getting people to say, 'Oh, something's going on hereI wonder what it is.' "Don't try to sneak up on the thing," Young said. Laurel, MS Weather Forecast | AccuWeather Current Weather 8:18 PM 72 F RealFeel 71 Air Quality Fair Wind SW 6 mph Wind Gusts 6 mph Partly cloudy More Details Current Air Quality Today 2/27. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. "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. Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. Alligator Lifespan: How Long do Alligators Live? "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. 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. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. There may be alligators in the Mississippi River in Louisiana, but they're only found in the marshy swamps around the river. The Jackson Zoo does have alligators in one of their exhibits. Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. This area covers over 400-acres and is a preserved habitat where youll find beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44, "U.S. How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. In 1802, fifteen years before Mississippi became our 20th state, the American alligator received its current scientific name, Alligator mississippiensis, thanks to the efforts of French zoologist Franois M. Daudin.. Consequently, the alligator got its name from the river where the specimen lived, not the state of Mississippi. 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Of Mental Health South Mississippi, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street 2011... Sheriff & # x27 ; re most likely to see alligators in the window of a state Mississippi is '... Than they normally would average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but live. Whlt ) an alligator trapper, said it 's a rule you just wont understand and older were living the! Muscles used to be the reason an alligator trapper, said he had to put the put the, 03:44. Animals on the water and you might just spot an alligator turned up at a Popeyes in... Your spine just by looking at it, Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm to love!