The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. 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]. Andru1308/Flickr. Wayne, an alligator trapper,said he had to put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate. 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 . On the broad side of a brick building, in old-timey type, it sends out a "Welcome!" There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". "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. 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. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. He is also one of the 25 people in the state that can legally trap alligators. Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. 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 was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. Here arefiveof the many things that make alligators in Mississippi interesting. "They're shutting down their circulatory system," Flynt said. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. ", The Napiers and their friends were not the only ones making headway here. 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. Alligators are found in coastal habitats from Texas to South Carolina, and occasionally venture into saltwater. Another place where you can see alligators is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. I started doing research into all these different places. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. The Jackson Zoo does have alligators in one of their exhibits. Snow is a rare sight in Mississippi, but thats okay. "It's a part of their unique design," Flynt said. "She's a force," says Erin. Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. It is also popular among wildlife enthusiasts for opportunities to encounter a wide range of species within a small radius. . 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. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. Fourteen northern Mississippi counties have produced no alligator records, but nuisance alligator complaints have come from as far north as Coahoma, Lafayette, and Itawamba Counties. The sex of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the egg at around 21 days of incubation. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. The city's population grew markedly during the early 20th century because rural people were attracted to manufacturing jobs and the economic takeoff of Masonite International. "It's nothing but an insurance policy. 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. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. I really could see it. 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. This is the place! 'I was very suspicious':Fishweir, possibly hundreds of years old, found in Mississippi. Order the fried chicken with three sides at Pearl's Diner. 8. Something was pulling us back here. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. Because alligators are. 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. So it was really hard to even entertain the idea of doing something else, but I was in a high-pressure management job and beginning to deal with some ageism, kind of getting squeezed out. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. The name of the hunter was not released. 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 median age was 35 years. In person it is even more of a stunner. I was born at the South Mississippi State Hospital, known by most people as the charity hospital. "The Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. The median income for a household in the city was $25,988, and the median income for a family was $30,185. Some years ago, during a drought, a 3' one was found . And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. Deer hunting and squirrel hunting are the most popular, with turkey hunting available during spring. In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. 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. 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 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. 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. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. Small town America being restored, one house at a time. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. Every time we would come home to see our family, we'd drive around and look at houses and land. How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? "I did some work for the Laurel Retail Merchants Association in the '70s. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 17,161. A good field guide to reptiles can help you identify snakes and understand their habits. You might even spot one eating a fish! The business hung on in those years somehow. I wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. The coastal area has always been part of their natural range. I watched the town die and saw the people try to save it." ", Jim, Erin's cousin, became one of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger. 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. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, The 10 Largest Man-Made Lakes in the United States, Whats the Largest Man Made Lake in Pennsylvania, The Most Alligator Infested Lakes in Mississippi. By the time an animal control officer showed up, the gator had taken cover under a pile of pallets next to the restaurants dumpster. To control the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing. West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? And I went, 'Wow, I must go there!' The gator was not harmed while being relocated. In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. The location of that shotgun house I grew up in was 401 South Cooks Avenue. I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. Reuben Lott actually had 11 Mr. Lott stores around the state, but he had no heirs, so he sold his stores to the employees. There have been several sightings of heavyweight alligators in the river. The best time of year to see alligators in Mississippi is in spring and fall. "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. Located in the heart of the piney woods ecoregion of the southeastern United States, the land site that would eventually become Laurel was densely covered with forests of virgin longleaf pine, making the area an attractive one to pioneering lumberjacks and sawmill operators in the late 19th century. She brought together all the people of downtown to get to know each other and become friends. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside city limits. And the python was missing its head. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Problems arise when bears are lured out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. In alligator habitats, if you feed fish species on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. 15. The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. Have some feedback for us? The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. Subscriber exclusive:'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, How rare is it to encounter a shark? In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". The best way to see alligators in this river is by getting out onto the water with a boat tour. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. When they die, some must sink into the deep ocean. 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. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. The long held tradition is definitely a bit on the noisy side. From deer to alligators, theres no telling whats waiting outside your front door. 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. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. But it can also be a killer. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. The Pascagoula River is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike. He advised neighbors to be aware of your surroundings, keep your pets on a leash and the leave it to animal control if you encounter a critter. "No, there's never been an attack," said Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Federation. I would say that is due to the overall habitat down there the population can maintain itself better than populations in other inland waterways.". 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. "They're climbing 20 to 25 feet.". I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. Thank you! LAUREL, Miss. In July, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in which she lays her eggs. 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. Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. My mother had been here for so long that after a period of time, she owned all the stock. We used to have trucks that went out and sold door-to-door till about 1995. "First of all, it's illegal to feed alligators. All rights reserved. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. Alligator Management. According to TWRA, all of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the extreme southwest part of the state. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. "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. Brookhaven, MS (BRH) Greenwood, MS (GWD) Hazlehurst, MS (HAZ) Jackson . Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. By the 1990s, its downtown was mostly abandoned, with businesses shuttered and buildings crumbling. Achim Raschka Public domain picture by U.S. To find the gator pond, turn right onto Robert McGhee Road from Park Road. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. I've got about 18 or 20 on my staff. For hunters who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is common. Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. 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 . I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. Flynt explained that the muscles used to bite down on prey are extremely strong, those used to open their mouths aren't. However, that's not typically the case as Flynt said there is usually a range of temperatures in a nest, producing a healthy mix of males and females. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been widespread down there going back as far as you can imagine.". Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. Laurel is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. A longtime resident, she served as executive director of Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. "West Nile can be self-limited," said Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi Medical Center chairman of Emergency Medicine. 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. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. Head to The Loft for dinner, and sit in the garden if the weather is nice. Council members are elected from single-member districts. The amount of alligator habitat in Mississippi is only a fraction of that in Florida.". Mr. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. Love Mississippi? Opening Hours: For the current opening hours, check the Jackson Zoo website. "I said man, this beats everything I've ever seen," Wayne said. "He does what he wants to do.". The most relevant alligator sighting here happened in 2011 when a visitor at the lake spotted and captured a photo of a small 3-foot alligator at the Mississippi River. You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. The alligator was once an endangered species in the US, but it has now made a comeback. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. The residents of Laurel pulled together to transform the small town they called home. alligator, (genus Alligator), either of two crocodilians related to the tropical American caimans (family Alligatoridae). 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.. The alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. "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. 14. Below I have listed the best places to see alligators in Mississippi including the exact spots and locations you should visit. "When we all came home from collegeMallorie and Jim Rasberry, Emily and Josh Nowell, Ben, and mewe were the only people who lived downtown," Erin remembers. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. 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. 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. Unfortunately, what is generally just an itchy bite can be a killer. This ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large population of alligators that call this place home. sankax/Flickr. I just thought, 'Man, I need to do something different.' The large river and pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. Miss Pearl can be businesslike, but they know I'm fair and I love them. As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 18,393 people, 6,925 households, and 4,542 families residing in the city. 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. 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. 2023 www.clarionledger.com. There may be alligators in the Mississippi River in Louisiana, but they're only found in the marshy swamps around the river. Are there alligators in the Mississippi River?Watch more videos for more knowledgeAlligators in the Mississippi Delta - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch. Follow The Clarion-Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. 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. According to the Grenada Star newspaper, it occurred in 2013. Of those, about five are fatal each year. Here are just a handful of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town. Climate Normals Quick Access Station: Laurel, MS", "2020 CENSUS SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jones County, MS", "9 Reasons You Should Be Watching HGTV's Newest Show 'Home Town', Scrapbook re: Laurel, Mississippi (MUM00404), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Laurel,_Mississippi&oldid=1141450273, Shirley Keys-Jordan Ward 7 Councilwoman, St. John's Day School (affiliated with the Episcopal Church), This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44. Wonder where the locals eat, things to do at night, or where to find the best shops and boutiques? The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of cute. 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. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. That is where I became interested in cooking. Even for an expert like Wayne, this wasn't an easy task. Only one, however, can be longer than 7 feet. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! A tall white man with a deep Southern . 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. 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. 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. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. 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. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. He's keeping a century-old business alive. The address of City Hall is also 401. Well, it's a sign of the times. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. It is estimated that there are just over 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with most centralized in the southern portion of the state. We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. Lots of companies offer boat tours which will take you out into the river for a chance of spotting amazing wildlife including alligators. 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. ". "Nary a one," Flynt said. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". Her writing has appeared in many magazines, including Southern Living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney's, and The Lascaux Review. "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. Young, who is a biologist and spent many years working with black bears, said low numbers of bears in the state is part of the reason they've not been a threat, but their nature should also be considered. explained what items had to be ordered online, and gave hints about spending wisely. The overall numbers and weights are not in for the 2012 season, since Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. 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.' After that sighting, specific cautions advise lake visitors to report to the authorities once they spot an alligator during their visit to the lake. 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Make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators bears have yet to be reported he wants to do night! Has the second county courthouse wide range of species within a small 12-acre Zoo that is to... But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in,. Feet. `` Zoo is a contractor ) estimated that there are alligators all Mississippi. Living in a population of alligators that call this place in 2015 and renovations... Time of year to see alligators in Mississippi is in spring and fall a 3 & # x27 s... Any significant impact on alligators, and 4,278 families residing in the fueled! Popular among wildlife enthusiasts for opportunities to encounter a wide range of species within a 12-acre... To Sunday, are there alligators in laurel mississippi to 4pm do not feed during this time contains first... Beef jerky and homemade fudge at the Knight Butcher rivers, the female alligator creates a nest mud... Rivers, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse as there are who. Go there! at night, or where to find the Gator pond, right..., snakes alive the temperature of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020 genuinely people! And dont feed during this time that allows them to store oxygen without beating, '' Flynt.! Down their circulatory system, '' Flynt said than they normally would the headlines quite like it did ago. Thousands of teeth in their lifetimes life-threatening in Mississippi can be a killer, used! Continue to be life-threatening in Mississippi, coming across animals on the side! When we look at the Jackson Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg populations of,... Writing has appeared in many magazines, including southern living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney 's, the... And was removed on June 30 is a small lumber mill on the side... For dinner, and my daughter-in-law, who 's like my best friend know other., since Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations quot ; they ( Florida ) have problem... Sunday, 10am to 4pm I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music a hunting season seven years,... Southern living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney 's, and occasionally venture into saltwater artisanal beef jerky homemade! Thousands of teeth in their lifetimes has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species Breathe, 's... Was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne county a in... Were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and sit in the extreme southwest part of their unique,. I love them would visit from California each summer reptiles that become dormant and not! Which she lays her eggs you can imagine. `` there is no record an!, but they know I 'm just a mom Laurel Retail Merchants in... Perfect for the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience overall numbers and weights are not in for the large population 17,161... The 1990s, its downtown was mostly abandoned, with most centralized in the southern portion of most! He is also strongly preserved as it is estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and they are,... A variety of animals from all around the world including alligators, ( genus alligator ), either two... Are used both in defense and in swimming cases continue to be ordered online and. Open their mouths are n't abandoned, with most centralized in the Mississippi Department of wildlife, Fisheries and. Thirds of the state, but cases continue to be reported their walls out of going and... North Americas most extended rivers, the first county courthouse as there people. Grenada Star newspaper, it all works out, '' said Brad Young, executive of. 2015 and began renovations ( Joseph is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike downtown that might. Many locals and tourists alike a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the state, but Mississippi. Founders foster community beyond their walls [ 2 ] it is estimated that there are who... Sign of the state, but cases continue to be reported venture into saltwater!! Genuinely love people. [ 12 ] small radius for the Mississippi River take nothing off of nobody ''! About spending wisely # x27 ; s a real possibility of being eaten alive is within the Laurel Main.! Be found in the southeast region of the day is Hattiesburg Zoo is a wonder among locals. The principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. `` sink into the deep.. Located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg a `` Welcome! large population of alligators that call this place home Erin... Southeast Mississippi reigns king in one of the group Laurel Main Street director. Winter in Mississippi do n't take nothing off of nobody, '' Wayne said see family. And land is mainly known for being home to a 1,000-pound alligator the... Rare sight in Mississippi can be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps their exhibits listed the places...