Flynt said the alluvial valley is gathering nutrients and is being funneled into the Mississippi River . 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. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' Only three days into the start of Mississippi's alligator hunting season, NBC News reported that Dustin Brockman of Vicksburg and his hunting party nabbed a record-breaking 13-foot, 727-pound gator on Saturday. Well, it's a sign of the times. Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. "That rating of a two goes to a nine or 10," Flynt said. 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. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. 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." Each tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of 4 feet. "I. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. The alligators can also often be seen lounging around along the banks of the lakes. The large river and pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. In the park, you're most likely to see alligators in the Davis Bayou Area. 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. Ben and I were the storytellers. The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. When I got back, I said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gonna do?' And the python was missing its head. We put some lights in the trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg. Council members are elected from single-member districts. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. 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. The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. "You're asking to be made an example out of.". In the late 1960s, American Alligators were thought to be on the verge of extinction in the marshy wetlands bordering the Mississippi River, but they have since made a remarkable recovery. I went to my car in tears, and I said to myself, 'Well, I guess I'm moving here.' 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. 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. Not only are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. LAUREL, Miss. Thin-Legged Wolf Spider. It has many large lakes that serve as a refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators. . The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 61.3% African-American, 29.8% non-Hispanic white, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 1.0% reporting two or more races.[17]. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' "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. Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. 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. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. It's been an amazing journey. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. 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. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. We didn't have hot water. Black bears and mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations. "Take two steps back and walk away," Vandeventer preaches. If a person is bitten by a venomous snake, the Mississippi State Department of Health suggests keeping the affected area at or slightly below the level of the heart and getting the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. 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 . The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. 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. Fishing is also an excellent sport here, as the lake hosts many fish species such as the channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, blue catfish, green sunfish, and white bass. 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. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. The location of that shotgun house I grew up in was 401 South Cooks Avenue. That is where I became interested in cooking. Everyone here gives credit to everyone else. Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. 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 (Florida) have a tremendously larger. Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. "That lifeline will save your life," Newell said. 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 department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. With an 11,000-acre total size, Okatibbee Lake is a go-to place for families in Mississippi who want to experience nature, with just a drive away. Unfortunately, what is generally just an itchy bite can be a killer. "Bears just avoid people," Young said. They're expending no energy and they're living off body fat.". What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? 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. As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other employees. I was born at the South Mississippi State Hospital, known by most people as the charity hospital. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. Erin Napier Pens Inspiring Note About How Far Laurel, Mississippi, Has Come, What It's Really Like To Have Your Home Renovated On Ben And Erin Napier's 'Home Town', Ree Drummond Convinced Ben And Erin Napier To Star In Upcoming Christmas Movie. Period," Flynt said. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. The coastal area has always been part of their natural range. 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. Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. The Wausau-Southern mill from Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and the Marathon mill from Memphis, Tennessee, in 1914. 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. If you've ever lived in a small town or are familiar with how . This story was originally published February 20 . Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? I just thought, 'Man, I need to do something different.' 28.9% of the population and 21.4% of families were below the poverty line. They have a long rounded snout with upward facing nostrils so they can breathe while the rest of . Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. 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. For the six of us, all in our twenties, it was like a game: How can we make downtown Laurel feel alive again? Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. My mother had been here for so long that after a period of time, she owned all the stock. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. Problems arise when bears are lured out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would. I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. Top Things to Do in Laurel, Mississippi: See Tripadvisor's 4,130 traveller reviews and photos of Laurel tourist attractions. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". His son shares his same passion and has followed him in his footsteps. "She's a force," says Erin. It's the tree stand. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. 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. The following year, in response to a U.S. There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. "I was the first generation in my family who was not born here. They are very strong and capable.". Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. "Don't try to sneak up on the thing," Young said. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". Combined with alligators in Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. New Deal in Mississippi: Laurel Sweet Potato Starch Factory September 3, 2019; Historic Natchez Foundation Unveils New Website August 13, 2019; Two preservation related events this week August 6, 2019; Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. 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. (WHLT) An alligator must really love that chicken from Popeyes! "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. Although the odds of dying from a venomous snake bite are low, the pain caused and the price of treatment are extreme. So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. 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. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. 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. "We all did what we could," Erin says. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". There have been several sightings of heavyweight alligators in the river. "They just don't like people is what it comes down to. The median income for a household in the city was $25,988, and the median income for a family was $30,185. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. FollowClarion LedgerOutdoors on Facebookand @BrianBroom onTwitter. 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. "It was about sparking curiosity, getting people to say, 'Oh, something's going on hereI wonder what it is.' In the process, they can lose teeth, along with when they fight. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". "The Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. here in living color is proof that there once were alligators, and this is what they looked like! There may be alligators in the Mississippi River in Louisiana, but they're only found in the marshy swamps around the river. "It's a bad situation," Newell said. Because it is illegal to hunt alligators in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida. 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. With its area spanning ten states, it would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator sightings near or within the river. [22][23], The Mississippi Department of Mental Health South Mississippi State Hospital Crisis Intervention Center is in Laurel. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? He had a bird's-eye view. The real catalyst here happened a little over eight years ago, when Judi Holifield became the director of Laurel Main Street. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. "I did some work for the Laurel Retail Merchants Association in the '70s. 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. Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44, "U.S. The best way to see alligators in this river is by getting out onto the water with a boat tour. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. "No, there's never been an attack," said Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Federation. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. 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 . This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. Miss Pearl can be businesslike, but they know I'm fair and I love them. "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. Andru1308/Flickr. NNehring/Getty Images. 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. 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. 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. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. 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. Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. A Laurel animal control officer, who usually rounds up stray dogs and cats, spent some time this week capturing a four-foot-long alligator that made an unwelcome visit to a city restaurant. Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. 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. As you approach downtown Laurel from I-59, the first thing that you see is a massive mural. I started doing research into all these different places. "I totally trust that lifeline. The alligator was once an endangered species in the US, but it has now made a comeback. "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. 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. Was the first thing that you see is a massive mural common as coming across other motorists championsfrom their makeover. As long as humans Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators and... 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