Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. "They just don't like people is what it comes down to. "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). 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. We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. Once a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually fell into disrepair. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Andru1308/Flickr. Check out the alligators of Hattiesburg Zoo in the video below: There have also been some reports of alligators in Laurel, Mississippi. There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . 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. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. "The Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. I kept a journal online, and I mocked up some murals in Photoshop. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. 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. With large teeth and bone-crushing jaws, large alligators can easily kill a human. You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' Follow The Clarion-Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. 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. To learn more, explore Mississippi's Amtrak stations below: Mississippi Amtrak Stations City of New Orleans. The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). 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. The alligators are reaping the benefits of that, which results in abnormal specimens. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. The Pascagoula River and its pristine drainage system make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. The department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. As the Hospitality State, well always be friendly towards visitors, but that doesnt mean we want them to start calling Mississippi home. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. here in living color is proof that there once were alligators, and this is what they looked like! 2023 www.clarionledger.com. My mother had been here for so long that after a period of time, she owned all the stock. The statistics provided on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website are about the same. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . "Nary a one," Flynt said. The hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. a 27-year-old who goes by "Boo" and works for a trucking company in Laurel, Miss . The Jackson Zoo does have alligators in one of their exhibits. Her writing has appeared in many magazines, including Southern Living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney's, and The Lascaux Review. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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. The best way to see alligators in this river is by getting out onto the water with a boat tour. It is estimated that there are just over 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with most centralized in the southern portion of the state. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. "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. In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. Keep your eyes peeled on the water and you might just spot an alligator. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. ':Alligator kills Mississippi woman's dog. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. 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. A bite from a venomous snake can be painful at best and even cause death. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have been living here. Symptoms of the virus are generally mild. "I don't think a 1,000-pound alligator is out of the question," Flynt said. A good field guide to reptiles can help you identify snakes and understand their habits. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. "Nary a one," Flynt said. 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. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. So I stayed. "The alligator itself is an apex predator. "That lifeline will save your life," Newell said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. 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 average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. Among these animals present within the lake premises, alligators can also be seen. alligator, (genus Alligator), either of two crocodilians related to the tropical American caimans (family Alligatoridae). 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. It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. Starring Ben and Erin Napier, the couple restores homes in their town while also highlighting small businesses. Another place where you can see alligators is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson. By the time an animal control officer showed up, the gator had taken cover under a pile of pallets next to the restaurants dumpster. "Harrison County ranks No. 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. 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. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. In 2011, the . Laurel is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. Alligators . 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. A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. 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. A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious. Whena tooth breaks off, a new one grows to take its place. Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of cute. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. The most common place to find alligators in Mississippi is in the Pascagoula River. Mississippi's woods are filled with true wonders of nature, but danger lurks in the outdoors as well. There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. Despite the many alligators in South Mississippi, Flynt said alligators are not a direct threat to humans unless an animal is fed by humans on a regular basis. In addition to influencing a diverse architectural district, the "timber families" of Laurel influenced the building of the town's broad avenues, the design of numerous public parks, and the development of strong public schools.[9]. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. The three-foot gator turned up at the restaurant location on Leontyne Price Boulevard. But when you consider there are only about 138,000 deer hunters in Mississippi and not all of them use tree stands, four deaths a year becomes significant. The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! Laid end to end, that amount of lumber would stretch 189 miles. 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. 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. ", Have coffee and sticky buns at Sweet Somethings Bakery. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. When I got back, I said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gonna do?' "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. It's the tree stand. He plans to . Alligators are large reptiles with armored bodies, four short legs and a flat tail. Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. And the python was missing its head. Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the Magnolia State's alligator population and Jackson County is home to 25 percent. No, it's not a crock: Two hunting parties in Mississippi both bagged alligators weighing more than 700 pounds. The roadways are filled with obstacles. Our first full day of travel of #roadtrip2017 was a visit to Laurel, Mississippi home of Home Town. And of course it's Erin & Ben Napier's home town. It's made Laurel a popular destination, especially for fans. Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. Until youve experienced it, you just wont understand. "They're climbing 20 to 25 feet.". In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. Alligators are found in coastal habitats from Texas to South Carolina, and occasionally venture into saltwater. In person it is even more of a stunner. 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