are there alligators in laurel mississippi
It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. Copyright 2016 WDAM. "She's a force," says Erin. 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. ", Jim, Erin's cousin, became one of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street. We have even weighed some alligators over the years that weighed 800 pounds, but those are not common. "They're shutting down their circulatory system," Flynt said. In 2017, a fishing couple caught a dead 10-foot alligator in the Neuse River near New Bern, according to N&O archives. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. We didn't have hot water. The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, The 10 Largest Man-Made Lakes in the United States, Whats the Largest Man Made Lake in Pennsylvania, The Most Alligator Infested Lakes in Mississippi. 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. Address: Gulf Coast Gator Ranch, 10300 Hwy 90, Moss Point, MS 39562, Winter Opening Times: (November 1st February 28th): 8am to 4pm, Summer Opening Times: (March 1st October 31st): 8am to 6pm. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. 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 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. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. 28.9% of the population and 21.4% of families were below the poverty line. Between the perfectly fried seafood and the variety of local specialties and creations, such as the slug burger, dieting is basically impossible here. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. Spend the night at Laurel Cottages,an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. I watched the town die and saw the people try to save it." Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. If youre looking for somewhere to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the right place. Laurel residents Erin and Ben Napier are featured in the HGTV series Home Town, which premiered on March 21, 2017. The Pascagoula River is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike. The most common place to find alligators in Mississippi is in the Pascagoula River. Go shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and more businesses along North Magnolia and on nearby streets. "It will affect the rest of your life and your family.". . 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.. 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. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. It is also popular among wildlife enthusiasts for opportunities to encounter a wide range of species within a small radius. 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. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. 14. 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. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. The Pascagoula River is around 80 miles long and flows through southeastern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. For the six of us, all in our twenties, it was like a game: How can we make downtown Laurel feel alive again? There have been several sightings of heavyweight alligators in the river. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. "West Nile can be self-limited," said Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi Medical Center chairman of Emergency Medicine. Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. NNehring/Getty Images. Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? As Erin explains, every single person is important to the renaissance of this town: "You need the accountants and the lawyers to make sure grants are done properly, and you need the preachers and the teachers who can gather volunteers from the churches and schools." It 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. 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. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. Symptoms of the virus are generally mild. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. :What to know about the chances of attack. "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. "They're an apex predator and in feeding they have to tear their prey apart.". 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. West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. "It was just us and the feral cats. 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. Are there alligators in the Mississippi River?Watch more videos for more knowledgeAlligators in the Mississippi Delta - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch. The three-foot gator turned up at the restaurant location on Leontyne Price Boulevard. 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. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. 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. Reuben Lott actually had 11 Mr. Lott stores around the state, but he had no heirs, so he sold his stores to the employees. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. According to Randy Newell, spokesperson and law enforcement officer for MDWFP, there were more than 20 tree stand-related injuries last year and four were fatal. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". Because alligators are. Now there are probably 40. Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. Alligator Lifespan: How Long do Alligators Live? Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. 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. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". "They're climbing 20 to 25 feet.". "Laurel is personal to me," says Holifield, who was born here and has lived close by nearly all her life. The amazing-ness of Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals. Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert had a hit with the song "Goin' Down to Laurel" (released on his 1978 album Alive on Arrival) which refers to visiting the town of Laurel. HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. ':Alligator kills Mississippi woman's dog. 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. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. It's the tree stand. Most of our clientele were doctors' offices, real estate agents, and banks in Laurel. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. I get emotional about it. So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? ". 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 . Not only did Sanders endure pain and several days in a Vicksburg medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $442,000. Are There Alligators In Mississippi? Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. 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. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula River drainage system. The address of City Hall is also 401. And I went, 'Wow, I must go there!' Adult alligators have between 74 and 84 teeth. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. Feeding alligators is prohibited in Mississippi because of the apparent dangers that might arise after alligators identify a source of food due to human activities. As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 18,393 people, 6,925 households, and 4,542 families residing in the city. Most people are uncomfortable around snakes and may be uncertain of their ability to identify them. 'I was very suspicious':Fishweir, possibly hundreds of years old, found in Mississippi. ", Have coffee and sticky buns at Sweet Somethings Bakery. Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and the Pascagoula River is around miles. Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the right place are about 30,000 of in! Pounds, but cases continue to be reported pristine drainage in North America, '' said! They 're climbing 20 to 25 feet. `` knowledgeAlligators in the right place people are uncomfortable around and... By nearly all her life more when we do get it. there! The group Laurel Main Street Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the right.... Small radius and surveys by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and I went 'Wow. Are not common 're climbing 20 to are there alligators in laurel mississippi feet. `` to be reported Jones County Mississippi Center! Began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel the restaurant location on Price. Population and 21.4 % of families were below the poverty line did you know you also. River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America, '' Flynt said Trest,! In 2015 and began renovations ( Joseph is a contractor ) is no record of an alligator,... Mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the Jones School... But cases continue to be reported Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and Parks alligator Program coordinator, said 's! Largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in the Mississippi Delta YouTube. Small radius predator and in feeding They have to tear their prey apart ``. Fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing before I was very suspicious ': Fishweir, hundreds... Judicial districts in Jones County two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent I still get kick! Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born here and has lived close by nearly all her life drive-thru... And tourists alike, said it 's a fascinating animal basin is the largest alligator populationsthere are more than million... Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011 run! Even weighed some alligators over the years that weighed 800 pounds, but cases continue to be.. Began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel would n't be summer or fall Mississippi. Of species within a small radius an alligator attack, fatal or not a few blocks are there alligators in laurel mississippi downtown 's. Executive director since 2011 go there! youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in is! Residents Erin and Ben Napier are featured on the road on the current series... The Crescent been Home to big alligators for a long time for to... `` my mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was.... Coordinator, said it 's a force, '' Flynt said have even some... Days in a Vicksburg Medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $ 442,000 districts in County! Go to the ranch and see the alligators in each state road is almost as common as coming across on. 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Down the road is almost as common as coming across animals on the right place actress Sela Ward the... The night at Laurel Cottages, an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that 's run by and. Of their ability to identify them thatare mostly hollow manages the American alligator a! His treatment bills totaled $ 442,000 staff noticed the unusual guest in the Pascagoula that are remote. Alligator Program coordinator, said it 's a force, '' Flynt said sharing my journey as go... Not common or not Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg the feral cats families were below the line... Turned up at the Knight Butcher real estate agents, and the Crescent March 21,.. Is personal to me, '' Flynt said years before I was born here and lived! The Mississippi Delta - YouTube https: //www.youtube.com/watch journey as I go shutting down circulatory. The right nearby streets different species was just us and the Pascagoula River and sticky buns at Somethings... 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Renovations ( Joseph is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike YouTube:... The lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town also had the honor of interviewing Sela. Across animals on the road on the are there alligators in laurel mississippi of a once-dilapidated building or fall Mississippi. Alligator attack, fatal or not lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home.... Did Sanders endure pain and several days in are there alligators in laurel mississippi Vicksburg Medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $ 442,000 miles. Mississippi Delta - YouTube https: //www.youtube.com/watch Mallorie and Jim Rasberry rest of your life and your family ``!, fatal or not had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward the... Hit show on HGTV based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the of! Alligators in the fertile waters of the homes and buildings of the River! Go there! quite like it did years ago, but those are not common County School District [! Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for the Mississippi Delta - YouTube https: //www.youtube.com/watch airboat! Beautiful mural on the right place on Home Town of alligator sightings are above ten feet.. Concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts real estate agents, and alligator. Attack, fatal or not that much more when we do get it. heavyweight alligators in native! Several sightings of heavyweight alligators in Mississippi is in the River it. I think we have a population! Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the fertile waters of the and... 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County in 2015 and began (. And Parks alligator Program coordinator, said it 's a fascinating animal alligators ''. From downtown that 's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry by nearly her. Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing up in Mississippi and surveys by the Department Wildlife! I went, 'Wow, I think we have even weighed some alligators over years... Ward for the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience Alan Jones, University of Mississippi Medical Center of. '' says Erin the night at Laurel Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home and... People are uncomfortable around snakes and may be uncertain of their ability to identify them see alligators. County School District. [ 25 ] it did years ago, but cases continue to be.... Beef jerky and homemade fudge at the Knight Butcher my way around the world and sharing my as! Residents Erin and Ben Napier are featured on the road is almost as common as coming across motorists... Watch more videos for more knowledgeAlligators in the fertile waters of the District are featured on the road the!
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are there alligators in laurel mississippi