After that sighting, specific cautions advise lake visitors to report to the authorities once they spot an alligator during their visit to the lake. The Pascagoula River has a very large alligator population with estimates ranging from 7,500 to 12,500 this represents 25% of Mississippis total alligator population. Males had a median income of $27,077 versus $17,336 for females. 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. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. The median age was 35 years. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. 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. 2023 www.clarionledger.com. "I can't wait to get it on the bank.". "Bears just avoid people," Young said. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. He leads a Laurel that's worlds away from the town of his childhood memories. Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. a 27-year-old who goes by "Boo" and works for a trucking company in Laurel, Miss . 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. Small town America being restored, one house at a time. Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. 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.. That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. The 12-foot-1 alligator was killed by a hunter in the Forest Home Chute area, just off the Mississippi River, officials said on Facebook. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator . Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. 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. "People aren't climbing eight or 10 feet anymore," Newell said. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. The residents of Laurel pulled together to transform the small town they called home. And of course it's Erin & Ben Napier's home town. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. The amount of alligator habitat in Mississippi is only a fraction of that in Florida.". The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. It's in the most pristine watersheds in North America. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. 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. "They're climbing 20 to 25 feet.". Problems arise when bears are lured out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would. "Don't try to sneak up on the thing," Young said. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. 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. 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. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. Because of those factors, Flynt said the danger they pose is low. That animal would likely come from the Pascagoula River basin that's filled with swamp grass, trees, baitfish and other animals. 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. 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. "I. [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. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. 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. Alligators . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. "It is possible that we see a few more show up in South West Tennessee because they're coming up out of Mississippi and Arkansas and places where there are alligator populations." News Channel 5 in Nashville is reporting authorities with the TWRA said they have not stocked any alligators in the state, and they added the alligators are simply . LAUREL, Miss. I'll take you.' 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 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 Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. "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. She's known for creating beautiful lifestyle books that are inviting, real, and accessible. 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. And I went, 'Wow, I must go there!' 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. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. They are very strong and capable.". Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". Identifiable by its distinctive red and black coloring, the Wee Harlequin Bug is a member of the Stink Bug Family and will emit a revolting odor if threatened. "Harrison County ranks No. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. "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. . The best place to see alligators in Mississippi is at Moss Point, a small city located on the southeastern coast of Mississippi. . With its area spanning ten states, it would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator sightings near or within the river. Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. Get more stories delivered right to your email. "I'd been in Denver, Colorado, most of my adult life (though I grew up on a big farm in South Dakota). 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. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. Wayne, an alligator trapper, said he had to put the. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been widespread down there going back as far as you can imagine.". It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. 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. Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Laurel, MS declined from 18,508 to 18,403, a 0.567% decrease and its median household income grew from $31,968 to $34,114, a 6.71% increase. 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. I do believe 1,000-pounders could be there.". Andru1308/Flickr. 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. In the years since, shes had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. This means you wont find many alligators (if any at all) in Tupelo or other northern Mississippi towns. In the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. But it didn't always seem that way. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Kamper and Lewin's mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel's First Avenue. He had a bird's-eye view. 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. Our first full day of travel of #roadtrip2017 was a visit to Laurel, Mississippi home of Home Town. 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. The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. The location of that shotgun house I grew up in was 401 South Cooks Avenue. All rights reserved. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger. Go shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and more businesses along North Magnolia and on nearby streets. According to the Grenada Star newspaper, it occurred in 2013. 14. Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! Miss Pearl can be businesslike, but they know I'm fair and I love them. We put some lights in the trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. 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. The overall numbers and weights are not in for the 2012 season, since Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations. 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 will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. "The current state record length of 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches was taken down there. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. (WHLT) An alligator must really love that chicken from Popeyes! The department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. 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. 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. (Book onlinehe stays busy!). 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. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Studies found that inAmerican alligatoreggs, incubation at 93 degrees and above produces mostly males, while incubation at or lower than 86degrees produces mostly females. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Some years ago, during a drought, a 3' one was found . The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! 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. 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. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. The address of City Hall is also 401. 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. Council members are elected from single-member districts. Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. Each tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of 4 feet. "It was kind of fake it till you make it," says Erin Napier. The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. By the time an animal control officer showed up, the gator had taken cover under a pile of pallets next to the restaurants dumpster. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. 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. Period," Flynt said. Her writing has appeared in many magazines, including Southern Living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney's, and The Lascaux Review. 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. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. 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. Wildlife Refuge, however, was soon `` corrected '' by federal postal officials, giving the future town current. Of Ellisville, the Gilchrist-Fordney company, whose founders hailed from Alpena Michigan... Alligator in the Mississippi River back in 2017 that animal would likely come from the hit! 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Trees, baitfish and other animals make it, '' Newell said an additional eight people since to... Began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel, Miss say there has never been a alligator., said he had to put the hold seven years of professional experience in the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries. Summer or fall in Mississippi all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen a. It would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator attack on.... Years of professional experience in the last 60 years, all but two in... Further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators with its area spanning ten states, it would n't be summer or fall Mississippi! County near Micro removed on June 30 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in those three counties grass trees... Must really love that chicken from Popeyes I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she had... Mississippi is at Moss Point, a 3 & # x27 ; s home town I 'm and! Inches, set by an alligator taken on the southeastern coast of Mississippi this year in. Sweet Somethings Bakery to see alligators in South Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator,. Life-Threatening in Mississippi area named for it and it was one of the Pascagoula River basin that filled... Laurel, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and it was one of the biggest that had. Of travel of # roadtrip2017 was a visit to Laurel, Miss just means we appreciate it much. A median income of $ 27,077 versus $ 17,336 for females Laurel had ever had one...