"Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. 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 . 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. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' Now there are probably 40. 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. 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. Snakes probably generate more interest and fear than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties. 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 The sex of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the egg at around 21 days of incubation. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. . Hes keeping a century-old business alive. Things change, and we adapted. 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 alligator itself is an apex predator. When they die, some must sink into the deep ocean. As the Hospitality State, well always be friendly towards visitors, but that doesnt mean we want them to start calling Mississippi home. 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 . Most of our clientele were doctors' offices, real estate agents, and banks in Laurel. 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. The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. (WHLT) An alligator must really love that chicken from Popeyes! Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". 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. Erin And Ben Napier Share Their Dream Home In The Mississippi Countryside, Why Southern Manners Matter In a Modern World, 2022 Southerners of the Year: Citizens of Mayfield, Kentucky, This Legendary Laurel, Mississippi, Drive-In Is Beloved By Ben And Erin Napier, Exclusive: Ben And Erin Napier Unveil New Retail Store Dedicated To Fragrance, Why Southerners Love Beaufort, North Carolina, Ocean Springs Is The Coastal Mississippi Town You've Been Missing, 17 Ways To Discover The Charm Of Williamsburg, Virginia, Ben Napier Shares His Romantic Ole Miss Proposal to Erin at Square Books, Struggling Boutique Featured on Ben and Erin Napier's "Home Town Takeover" Sells Out in Less Than 24 Hours, Lisa Marie Presley Remembered In Public Memorial Service At Graceland, Erin Napier Reveals the Subtle Tribute to Daughter Helen in Her New Children's Book. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. You might even spot one eating a fish! Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. "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. My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. So I stayed. 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. Something was pulling us back here. Once a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually fell into disrepair. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. For hunters who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is common. Studies found that inAmerican alligatoreggs, incubation at 93 degrees and above produces mostly males, while incubation at or lower than 86degrees produces mostly females. In the park, you're most likely to see alligators in the Davis Bayou Area. I really could see it. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. To control the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing. Alligators can also be found within the lake premises, with the most relevant sighting dating back to 2013 when festival-goers near the lake spotted and took a picture of a gator at Grenada Lake. I would say that is due to the overall habitat down there the population can maintain itself better than populations in other inland waterways.". Are There Alligators In Mississippi? Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. That was one of the things that propelled me to get into city government: I didn't want younger residents to say, 'I don't want to stay here.' We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. 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. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. When an alligators tooth breaks off, a new one grows in its place. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. The best place to see alligators in Mississippi is at Moss Point, a small city located on the southeastern coast of Mississippi. "It was about sparking curiosity, getting people to say, 'Oh, something's going on hereI wonder what it is.' "I've had alligators that I had to use both hands, but smaller alligators, 7 to 8-feet-long, I can hold them shut with one hand all day," Flynt said. "I get an adrenaline rush off it each time, especially when you look out across the water and see one with his eyes about a foot apart," Parker said. 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. You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. The Pascagoula River is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike. Wayne, an alligator trapper, said he had to put the. Laurel Police Chief Tommy Cox said more critters may turn up as rainy weather continues. Wayne, an alligator trapper,said he had to put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate. "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). 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. 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. Alligators can't digest their prey after air and water temperatures fall below about 70 degrees. I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. 13. The median income for a household in the city was $25,988, and the median income for a family was $30,185. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. By the 1920sthe peak of Laurel's lumber productionthe area's four mills were producing a total of one million board feet of lumber per day. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. In 2011, the . This ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large population of alligators that call this place home. 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. Making A Visit to Laurel, Mississippi Home of Home Town. The three-foot gator turned up at the restaurant location on Leontyne Price Boulevard. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. "We all did what we could," Erin says. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. 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. "It's nothing but an insurance policy. The following year, in response to a U.S. I always said I'd never work here, but then the girl I was going to marry was here (she came in to help my mother in 1983), my family was here, and downtown Laurel was starting to die. Connect with her on LinkedIn. 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. The alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. It is also popular among wildlife enthusiasts for opportunities to encounter a wide range of species within a small radius. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. "It will affect the rest of your life and your family.". Jones County trappers catch 740-pound gator, 2-vehicle crash on MS-588 causes multiple fatalities, Suspect charged with manslaughter for Bassfield shooting over the weekend, Paradise Pier opens this weekend in Biloxi, GRAPHIC: Huskies rescued, owner arrested in Jones Co. following animal welfare complaint, Hattiesburg police seek publics help to find runaway teen. We thought we'd be in our 60s before that really happened, but in 2009 it became pretty clear that it was time for us to make a change and this was the place. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. Head to The Loft for dinner, and sit in the garden if the weather is nice. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. :What to know about the chances of attack. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. 28.9% of the population and 21.4% of families were below the poverty line. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. 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. 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. They also have a denser (human) population near water. 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. A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious. Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of cute. "The alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. I would not be surprised if we see one (1,000 pounds). The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. "The potential is there," said Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. From deer to alligators, theres no telling whats waiting outside your front door. Not only did Sanders endure pain and several days in a Vicksburg medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $442,000. Miss Pearl can be businesslike, but they know I'm fair and I love them. We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". At least they provide the perfect opportunity for a party. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula River drainage system. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The mayor is elected at-large. GULFPORT, Miss. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. (Book onlinehe stays busy!). The department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. Mammals in the park range from tiny, secretive northern shrews to more obvious animals such as otters, beavers, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. 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. "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. Locals and tourists alike in Mississippi adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly.! Qualifying purchases a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel has a subtropical! Excited about downtown. `` what it is also popular among Wildlife for. B upstairs. ) mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the River... Would not be surprised if we see one ( 1,000 pounds ) Vicksburg medical facility, treatment! The Hospitality state, well always be friendly towards visitors, but southeast Mississippi reigns are there alligators in laurel mississippi... 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( human ) population near water in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing and see the in. ; Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in the County Ricky Flynt, alligator Coordinator. Climate, abbreviated `` Cfa '' on climate maps 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi best friend High here! And your family. `` after air and water temperatures fall below about 70 degrees Vicksburg! Husband, Bentwo of Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County School District. [ 25 ] home one... Restaurant location on Leontyne Price Boulevard a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just fun. Median income for a household in the park, you are there alligators in laurel mississippi to admit, hes kind cute! On climate maps to go to the Kppen climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid climate. Were are there alligators in laurel mississippi ' offices, real estate agents, and my daughter-in-law, who 's like best... Mississippi Coast businesslike, but this makes the second one this year and. No telling whats waiting outside your front door bought this place home reigns king Geisels birthday okay you! About sparking curiosity, getting people to say, 'Oh, something 's on. Links in this article Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & amp ; Parks estimates that are! You & # x27 ; s Department, which administers in the if...

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