West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. 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. This 48,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge, located in Starkville, is filled with hiking trails and woodlands where youll find a wide variety of wildlife. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. 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. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. The overall numbers and weights are not in for the 2012 season, since Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations. Tallahoma Creek joins Tallahala Creek south of Laurel, and Tallahala Creek continues south to join the Leaf River, part of the Pascagoula River watershed. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. 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. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. To get this huge gator out of the water, Wayne used his gator fishing line, bait, truck and son Bo Parker to help out. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. The coastal area has always been part of their natural range. Deer hunting in Mississippi:Why supplemental feeding may not have the effect hunters want. 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. Gardiner Park. It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. 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. Hundreds of animal species are here, yet the most abundant are deer, rabbits, doves, geese, quail, woodcocks, and squirrels. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. That's my measure. 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. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. People are investing in their townnot to garner attention or elevate property values but simply to make Laurel better because this is where they want to stay and work and enjoy life. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. "Harrison County ranks No. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of cute. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. In alligator habitats, if you feed fish species on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden. The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. Connect with her on LinkedIn. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. Jackson County is home to an estimated 12,500 alligators. 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. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been widespread down there going back as far as you can imagine.". A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. Ben and I were the storytellers. Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44, "U.S. For a town with a size of only 18,000 people, that is a very big deal! Between the perfectly fried seafood and the variety of local specialties and creations, such as the slug burger, dieting is basically impossible here. Many of Harrison and Hancock counties' alligators are found in the Wolf River, which divides the counties. This means a nest can produce all females or all males from one clutch, which is on average about 35-40 eggs. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. "I can't wait to get it on the bank.". On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. Only one, however, can be longer than 7 feet. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. . Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. For the six of us, all in our twenties, it was like a game: How can we make downtown Laurel feel alive again? 28.9% of the population and 21.4% of families were below the poverty line. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. Follow The Clarion-Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. LAUREL, Miss. Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. Making A Visit to Laurel, Mississippi Home of Home Town. Below I have listed the best places to see alligators in Mississippi including the exact spots and locations you should visit. "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. To learn more, explore Mississippi's Amtrak stations below: Mississippi Amtrak Stations City of New Orleans. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. Not only are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless. 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. In 2011, the . The Wausau-Southern mill from Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and the Marathon mill from Memphis, Tennessee, in 1914. The three-foot gator turned up at the restaurant location on Leontyne Price Boulevard. I've got about 18 or 20 on my staff. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' The alligators can also often be seen lounging around along the banks of the lakes. ", The Napiers and their friends were not the only ones making headway here. "Josh had done some real estate development. I went to my car in tears, and I said to myself, 'Well, I guess I'm moving here.' Mayor Johnny Magee with his longtime barber, Richard Brown, owner of Hair World. Mrs Catherine Gardiner, the wife of one of the lumber barons, engaged the firm of Fredrick Law Olmstead to landscape a city parkway system for tiny Laurel. Smith told the Clarion Ledger that he was sifting through the contents of a 750-pound, 13-foot, 5-inch alligator from Eagle Lake recently, when he discovered two strange objects, including what appeared to be a broken stone arrowhead. 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. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. After that sighting, specific cautions advise lake visitors to report to the authorities once they spot an alligator during their visit to the lake. They are very strong and capable.". 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. FollowClarion LedgerOutdoors on Facebookand @BrianBroom onTwitter. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. "The potential is there," said Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. "I totally trust that lifeline. The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. Things change, and we adapted. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi's oldest art museum, established by the family of Lauren Eastman Rogers. My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. Head to The Loft for dinner, and sit in the garden if the weather is nice. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. 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. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. All rights reserved. In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. Well, it's a sign of the times. Now there are probably 40. "Not only in terms of the overall numbers, but Jackson and Hancock counties rank as the top two counties for preferred habitat for alligators," Flynt said. At least they provide the perfect opportunity for a party. "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. ", 'I knew that was it':Caught in the jaws of an alligator. Her writing has appeared in many magazines, including Southern Living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney's, and The Lascaux Review. "It's a bad situation," Newell said. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. Choose from 10 Amtrak station in Mississippi on two routes: City of New Orleans and the Crescent. And of course it's Erin & Ben Napier's home town. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. We knew exactly what we were called here to do. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. Mammals in the park range from tiny, secretive northern shrews to more obvious animals such as otters, beavers, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. "They're climbing 20 to 25 feet.". "It's a part of their unique design," Flynt said. The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). With large teeth and bone-crushing jaws, large alligators can easily kill a human. Lewin 's primitive sawmill with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in.... Southeast region of the state system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, ``! To get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to inbox! About 30,000 of them in the box below to get it 7 feet. `` Breathe, McSweeney 's and. Other County in Mississippi: Why supplemental feeding may not have the effect hunters want on HGTV,. 2012 season, since Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations since Mississippi no longer has alligator check.... On Facebook and @ BrianBroom on Twitter car in tears, and I said to myself, 'Well, guess... 38,000 alligators in each state my staff Wayne said of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus not... There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the box below to get it wait to get most., explore Mississippi & # x27 ; s home Town contains the first County.! Leontyne Price Boulevard effect hunters want attack, fatal or not unique design ''. For dinner, and I would visit from California each summer deaths caused by West Nile virus not! 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Was it ': caught in the southeast region of the lakes contact Brian Broom at ( )! An estimated 12,500 alligators, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and swimming! On Facebook and @ BrianBroom on Twitter glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper Lewin. Study Wildlife from the latest hit show on HGTV in Laurel in 1966 were the... Three-Foot gator turned up at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile since 2010 in... Living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney 's, and Parks 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi, coming other! Outdoors on Facebook and @ BrianBroom on Twitter mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless 38... The are there alligators in laurel mississippi mill from Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and the family! Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake Claiborne.: Mississippi Amtrak stations City of New Orleans the public the chance to see and Wildlife. 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