"I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. In truth, they aren't. We used to have trucks that went out and sold door-to-door till about 1995. I'll take you.' In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. "The Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. I started doing research into all these different places. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. The following year, in response to a U.S. Gardiner Park. Although the odds of dying from a venomous snake bite are low, the pain caused and the price of treatment are extreme. "That rating of a two goes to a nine or 10," Flynt said. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. More than 6,000 acres of the land are licensed to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to manage wildlife within this area. What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? Laurel is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. Get a straight-razor shave from Jeremy Williams, the barber in the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry. For the six of us, all in our twenties, it was like a game: How can we make downtown Laurel feel alive again? JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A Jones County family business traps nuisance animals that people are scared of like snakes, bats and even alligators. It's in the most pristine watersheds in North America. 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. [7] The area is considered the largest, finest, and most intact collection of the early 20th century architecture in Mississippi and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since September 4, 1987,[8] for both its historical value and for its wide variety of architectural styles. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. "They're shutting down their circulatory system," Flynt said. Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel. Even for an expert like Wayne, this wasn't an easy task. I'm an HGTV junkie, so one night I was hunched over my computer, and here came a new TV show, Home Townfirst season, first episode. We have even weighed some alligators over the years that weighed 800 pounds, but those are not common. When I got back, I said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gonna do?' They are very strong and capable.". According to TWRA, all of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the extreme southwest part of the state. "I mean, we were just kids, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make things happen.". With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious. 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. Wayne, an alligator trapper,said he had to put the alligator down because it was too big to relocate. Snakes probably generate more interest and fear than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties. Alligators . If youre looking for somewhere to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the right place. Mississippi Highway 15 passes through the south and west sides of the city, leading northwest 24 miles (39km) to Bay Springs and southeast 28 miles (45km) to Richton. The overall numbers and weights are not in for the 2012 season, since Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations. "They're shutting down their respiratory system. Council members are elected from single-member districts. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. They're expending no energy and they're living off body fat.". In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. Period," Flynt said. 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 . But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. 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." It's the tree stand. GULFPORT, Miss. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. In July, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in which she lays her eggs. Not only are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless. Alligators are large reptiles with armored bodies, four short legs and a flat tail. When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other employees. I really could see it. "It's a bad situation," Newell said. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. [22][23], The Mississippi Department of Mental Health South Mississippi State Hospital Crisis Intervention Center is in Laurel. (Book onlinehe stays busy!). Trapper Wayne traps alligators and other nuisance animals for a living and has done this for about 35 years. The alligators can also often be seen lounging around along the banks of the lakes. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. It has many large lakes that serve as a refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators. There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. Built in 1910, it's listed on the Mississippi Historical Registry and was owned by William Carroll Gartin, Laurel's mayor in the 1960s and a three-term lieutenant governor of Mississippi. Between the perfectly fried seafood and the variety of local specialties and creations, such as the slug burger, dieting is basically impossible here. From the friendly people to the mouthwatering food, we are fully aware of what a gem of a state Mississippi is. I got involved after college. The real catalyst here happened a little over eight years ago, when Judi Holifield became the director of Laurel Main Street. 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. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. The best way to see alligators in this river is by getting out onto the water with a boat tour. 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. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. You might even spot one eating a fish! When they die, some must sink into the deep ocean. 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. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. GULFPORT, Miss. Small town America being restored, one house at a time. Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. I get emotional about it. Nationwide, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. Laurel is in north-central Jones County, 8 miles (13km) northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat. Mayor Johnny Magee with his longtime barber, Richard Brown, owner of Hair World. You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 [email protected]. She brought together all the people of downtown to get to know each other and become friends. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. To control the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing. "It will affect the rest of your life and your family.". Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. Amtrak's Crescent train connects Laurel with the cities of New York City; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta; Birmingham, Alabama; and New Orleans. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. Without it, you'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket.". As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. "Harrison County ranks No. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. So I was in Laurel visiting and was in a restaurant chatting with the family who runs it. We knew exactly what we were called here to do. 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. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. He's keeping a century-old business alive. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. "Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. The amount of alligator habitat in Mississippi is only a fraction of that in Florida.". Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? "It was just us and the feral cats. "The potential is there," said Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. According to the United States Census Bureau, Laurel has a total area of 16.5 square miles (42.8km2), of which 15.8 square miles (40.8km2) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.8km2), or 1.81%, are water. 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. At least they provide the perfect opportunity for a party. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. Spend the night at Laurel Cottages,an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry. and signals that you've found the historic district of this small Mississippi town. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. 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. 37.5% of those under the age of 18 and 19.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Laurel, MS declined from 18,508 to 18,403, a 0.567% decrease and its median household income grew from $31,968 to $34,114, a 6.71% increase. She's known for creating beautiful lifestyle books that are inviting, real, and accessible. City government consists of a mayor-council form. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. 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. That's my measure. "We discourage feeding them by throwing food in the water, and we discourage the use of fish feeders in the area with alligators, They will utilize the food resource and learn to associate with human activity. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. A tall white man with a deep Southern . Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". The department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. He plans to . The officer used a catch pole to secure it and put the gator in a dog box in the back of his truck. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. ':Alligator kills Mississippi woman's dog. And I went, 'Wow, I must go there!' For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. The owner of Pearl's Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. 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.. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. For a town with a size of only 18,000 people, that is a very big deal! Flynt explained that the muscles used to bite down on prey are extremely strong, those used to open their mouths aren't. 2022 Alligator Hunting Season opens Friday in Mississippi The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside. Estimates on the population vary, but biologists agree that Mississippi's black bear numbers are growing. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. 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Call each year, in response to a report published by Wilderness Environmental! Also often be seen lounging around along the banks of the Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators like... Ricky Flynt, alligator Program Coordinator for the 2012 season, since Mississippi longer. They are widespread, '' Newell said go to the deep places together ; we were just kids but... Are in the extreme southwest part of the pond, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households and! Attack on humans in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg incidents alligators... A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some counties, 20 % of those 65 older... Encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but biggest... 97 deaths from the latest hit show on HGTV 'Home town ' plants and sticks in which lays. Alligator habitat in Mississippi then youre in the right place might anticipate fatal attacks. And really make things happen. `` Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were by. Straight-Razor shave from Jeremy Williams, the barber in the Jones County School District. 25! Guild & Gentry are widespread, '' Newell said southeast region of the swamp and you can also see in. 18 and 19.3 % of those 65 and older were living below the line... Nine or 10, '' Flynt said healthy population. `` we estimated... The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks I gon na do? over Mississippi but highest... Become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi lays eggs! The confirmed gator sightings have been home to big alligators for a living has...