"Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. and signals that you've found the historic district of this small Mississippi town. City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. 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. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." So, the next time you hear someone talking about wanting to move to Mississippi, politely remind them of these 15 reasons they definitely would not like living in the Magnolia State. The mayor is elected at-large. Then, in the last decade or so, a grassroots movement began. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). 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. A longtime resident, she served as executive director of Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020. However, not anyone can trap gators because it is illegal, and a person could get fined up to $10,000. "You're asking to be made an example out of.". Mayor Johnny Magee with his longtime barber, Richard Brown, owner of Hair World. The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! The city of Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the impetus. 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." That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. 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.. 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. 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. Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. So I stayed. "But it would be an exceptional animal. Each tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of 4 feet. ". I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. In 2011, the . In 2010, I started a bakery out of a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside city limits. "No, there's never been an attack," said Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. This story was originally published February 20 . "The Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. Alligators have an ancestry dating back millions of years in the fossil record and have remained largely unchanged. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. 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. NNehring/Getty Images. 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. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. Although the odds of dying from a venomous snake bite are low, the pain caused and the price of treatment are extreme. 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. I would not be surprised if we see one (1,000 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. The best time of year to see alligators in Mississippi is in spring and fall. He had a bird's-eye view. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. Unfortunately, what is generally just an itchy bite can be a killer. "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. The sex of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the egg at around 21 days of incubation. 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. explained what items had to be ordered online, and gave hints about spending wisely. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. 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. 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. They have a long rounded snout with upward facing nostrils so they can breathe while the rest of . Get more stories delivered right to your email. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. I've always had this idea that true community comes down to one thing: Is there somebody who can take you to get your cataracts removed when the time comes? West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. Stay at Bonnie's Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey (it's about five minutes from downtown). Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. "It was just us and the feral cats. The heaviest one taken (during the 2012 permit hunting season) down there was 636 pounds. To learn more, explore Mississippi's Amtrak stations below: Mississippi Amtrak Stations City of New Orleans. a 27-year-old who goes by "Boo" and works for a trucking company in Laurel, Miss . The Laurel Amtrak station is situated at 230 North Maple Street. A tall white man with a deep Southern . Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. 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. 15. Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". Mammals in the park range from tiny, secretive northern shrews to more obvious animals such as otters, beavers, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. Because it is illegal to hunt alligators in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". 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. She's known for creating beautiful lifestyle books that are inviting, real, and accessible. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. 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. 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. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. The Wausau-Southern mill from Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and the Marathon mill from Memphis, Tennessee, in 1914. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. For hunters who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is common. Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. 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. The charming town of Laurel, Mississippi came to prominence as the yellow pine capital but most recently has appeared on the hit HGTV show Home Town, which premiered in 2016. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Most people are uncomfortable around snakes and may be uncertain of their ability to identify them. "People aren't climbing eight or 10 feet anymore," Newell said. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". Bockman has stored his prize catch in a deer processor's walk-in cooler. Laurel is in north-central Jones County, 8 miles (13km) northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat. With its area spanning ten states, it would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator sightings near or within the river. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. 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. As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other employees. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. By the time an animal control officer showed up, the gator had taken cover under a pile of pallets next to the restaurants dumpster. 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. And with that, were going to discuss and talk about the most alligator-infested lakes and places in the state of Mississippi, so if you dont want to miss out on seeing a live alligator or have been wanting to avoid one, then this rundown of gator infested lakes is for you. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. In an argument, Blanche tells Harold Mitchell she's brought many victims into her web, and calls the hotel the Tarantula Arms rather than the Hotel Flamingo. 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. He leads a Laurel that's worlds away from the town of his childhood memories. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. [11] The area is also prone to tornadoes. The best place to see alligators in Mississippi is at Moss Point, a small city located on the southeastern coast of Mississippi. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. My husband, Joseph, would deliver before and after work and all weekend. Thank you for reading! "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. This ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large population of alligators that call this place home. The zoo also runs a Gator Feeding session every Sunday at 1:30pm where you can watch the alligators being fed. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. U.S. Route 84 passes through the south side of the city, leading east 30 miles (48km) to Waynesboro and west 27 miles (43km) to Collins. Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. Laid end to end, that amount of lumber would stretch 189 miles. To find the gator pond, turn right onto Robert McGhee Road from Park Road. Now there are probably 40. I wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . Below I have listed the best places to see alligators in Mississippi including the exact spots and locations you should visit. 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. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. 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. (Book onlinehe stays busy!). "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. Once considered an endangered species in the late 1960s, American Alligators have made a big comeback in the swampy marsh areas surrounding the Mississippi River. 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. A bite from a venomous snake can be painful at best and even cause death. "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. The hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. At least they provide the perfect opportunity for a party. 30. Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm. With large teeth and bone-crushing jaws, large alligators can easily kill a human. "But I can remember 10 years ago there was an alligator taken off the Pascagoula River near the 1-10 boat ramp that weighed 938 pounds. If you've ever lived in a small town or are familiar with how . 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 alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. 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. JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A Jones County family business traps nuisance animals that people are scared of like snakes, bats and even alligators. 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. Because alligators are. Top Things to Do in Laurel, Mississippi: See Tripadvisor's 4,130 traveller reviews and photos of Laurel tourist attractions. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. I was born at the South Mississippi State Hospital, known by most people as the charity hospital. 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. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. That is where I became interested in cooking. 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. Once a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually fell into disrepair. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. "I totally trust that lifeline. . 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. Swampland perfect for the large population of alligators are found in the Mississippi National was 636 pounds are there alligators in laurel mississippi and! 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