are there alligators in laurel mississippi
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. There were 7,804 housing units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile (195.3/km2). According to the Grenada Star newspaper, it occurred in 2013. The coastal area has always been part of their natural range. That is where I became interested in cooking. 14. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. 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. Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. 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. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry. 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. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. 13. The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". Our first full day of travel of #roadtrip2017 was a visit to Laurel, Mississippi home of Home Town. Combined with alligators in Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. The long held tradition is definitely a bit on the noisy side. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. It seems very plausible to imagine an alligator floating elegantly, its silhouette adding a threatening component to the famous view of the Gateway Arch. alligator, (genus Alligator), either of two crocodilians related to the tropical American caimans (family Alligatoridae). Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. "That area (Pascagoula River) is the most stable gator population in the state. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. Well, it's a sign of the times. 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. 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. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. FollowClarion LedgerOutdoors on Facebookand @BrianBroom onTwitter. The large river and pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. 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 . Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. In 2017, a fishing couple caught a dead 10-foot alligator in the Neuse River near New Bern, according to N&O archives. This area covers over 400-acres and is a preserved habitat where youll find beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more. "They're shutting down their respiratory system. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. "Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. Until youve experienced it, you just wont understand. There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . I wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. We put some lights in the trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! 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. Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. 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. "I did some work for the Laurel Retail Merchants Association in the '70s. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. 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. Below I have listed the best places to see alligators in Mississippi including the exact spots and locations you should visit. 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. 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. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. But it can also be a killer. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. 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. American alligators have been all over the headlines in Alabama recently from gator hunts in south Alabama, to a rogue 10-footer killed in Oxford. The Pascagoula River is around 80 miles long and flows through southeastern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. "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. "It's obvious that part of the country has traditionally been home to alligators since any records we have on file. Thank you for reading! Thanks for reading this post on where to see alligators in Mississippi. Alligator Lifespan: How Long do Alligators Live? Spend the night at Laurel Cottages,an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry. Studies found that inAmerican alligatoreggs, incubation at 93 degrees and above produces mostly males, while incubation at or lower than 86degrees produces mostly females. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. However, not anyone can trap gators because it is illegal, and a person could get fined up to $10,000. 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. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. 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. "With 38 percent of the population being from down there and to have no attacks is good," Flynt said. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. 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. In 2010, I started a bakery out of a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house. 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. Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. 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. For a town with a size of only 18,000 people, that is a very big deal! You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. The roadways are filled with obstacles. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. "West Nile can be self-limited," said Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi Medical Center chairman of Emergency Medicine. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. "First of all, it's illegal to feed alligators. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. 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 Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. Get a straight-razor shave from Jeremy Williams, the barber in the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry. I started doing research into all these different places. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". They have a long rounded snout with upward facing nostrils so they can breathe while the rest of . Snakes probably generate more interest and fear than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties. 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. It's in the most pristine watersheds in North America. No, it's not a crock: Two hunting parties in Mississippi both bagged alligators weighing more than 700 pounds. 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. 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. 8. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. All rights reserved. Wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing are among the most frequent activities. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. To find the gator pond, turn right onto Robert McGhee Road from Park Road. "They're an apex predator and in feeding they have to tear their prey apart.". A good field guide to reptiles can help you identify snakes and understand their habits. That animal would likely come from the Pascagoula River basin that's filled with swamp grass, trees, baitfish and other animals. 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. "But it would be an exceptional animal. ':Alligator kills Mississippi woman's dog. Without it, you'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket.". Reuben Lott actually had 11 Mr. Lott stores around the state, but he had no heirs, so he sold his stores to the employees. "He does what he wants to do.". 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. ", Have coffee and sticky buns at Sweet Somethings Bakery. 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. Laurel residents Erin and Ben Napier are featured in the HGTV series Home Town, which premiered on March 21, 2017. The real catalyst here happened a little over eight years ago, when Judi Holifield became the director of Laurel Main Street. By the early 1900s, the success of Eastman-Gardner Company's operations in Laurel and the region's superabundance of timber began to attract the attention of other lumber industrialists. 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. 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. As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. Another place where you can see alligators is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson. In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. He had a bird's-eye view. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. This story was originally published February 20 . But when people interact with the reptiles, such as by feeding them, they become more comfortable around humans and the risk of conflict dramatically rises. ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. 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 . "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. If youre looking for somewhere to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the right place. The heaviest one taken (during the 2012 permit hunting season) down there was 636 pounds. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. 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. 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