are there alligators in laurel mississippi
Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. 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. For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the. I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. "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. Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. Wherever you are in Mississippi, theres plenty of options here to see alligators in their natural habitat and in zoos. "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. Because alligators are. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. 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. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". A longtime resident, she served as executive director of Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. The business hung on in those years somehow. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. Female alligators are protective, caring mothers. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel. "They're shutting down their circulatory system," Flynt said. 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. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. 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. "She's a force," says Erin. 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. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". 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. This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. "We've never had a single documented attack. Where to Find Alligators in the Mississippi River 13. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. Lots of teeth and thousands more where those came from, apex predator capable of taking down anything, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program, 'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, Why supplemental feeding may not have the effect hunters want, Fishweir, possibly hundreds of years old, found in Mississippi, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Laurel residents Erin and Ben Napier are featured in the HGTV series Home Town, which premiered on March 21, 2017. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 17,161. 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. Keep your eyes peeled on the water and you might just spot an alligator. You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious. 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. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been widespread down there going back as far as you can imagine.". "Josh had done some real estate development. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. 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. 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. 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. The best place to see alligators in Mississippi is at Moss Point, a small city located on the southeastern coast of Mississippi. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. An adult alligator hasbetween 74 and 84 teeth thatare mostly hollow. A lot of outsiders are unaware of this fact, which is quite alright because the last thing we need is a ton of people swarming to our state. In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. 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 . She brought together all the people of downtown to get to know each other and become friends. The charming town of Laurel, Mississippi came to prominence as the yellow pine capital but most recently has appeared on the hit HGTV show Home Town, which premiered in 2016. 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. Danielle Claro is a New York Times bestselling author, editor, and book coach who specializes in bringing esoteric topics down to earth. That's all good. Love Mississippi? They're also right here in Lexington County around the Congaree River, in small creeks, and even in some private ponds in areas you may not expect. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. Council members are elected from single-member districts. Laurel is in north-central Jones County, 8 miles (13km) northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat. Major employers include Howard Industries, Sanderson Farms, Masonite International, Family Health Center, Howse Implement, Thermo-Kool, and South Central Regional Medical Center. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. An alligator estimated to be about 10 feet long caused quite a stir along Highway 11 north near Thermo-kool, a short distance south of 24th Street in Laurel. 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. Every time we would come home to see our family, we'd drive around and look at houses and land. My husband, Joseph, would deliver before and after work and all weekend. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. 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.. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. Well, it's a sign of the times. If youre looking for somewhere to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the right place. The per capita income for the city was $15,561. Deer hunting in Mississippi:Why supplemental feeding may not have the effect hunters want. "It has a huge amount of food resources between fresh and salt water. So I stayed. "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. 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. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. 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. She's known for creating beautiful lifestyle books that are inviting, real, and accessible. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. "They just don't like people is what it comes down to. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. I actually said it out loud. I was born at the South Mississippi State Hospital, known by most people as the charity hospital. We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. To control the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing. The mayor is elected at-large. Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females. Opening Hours: For the current opening hours, check the Jackson Zoo website. The best time of year to see alligators in Mississippi is in spring and fall. GULFPORT, Miss. We knew exactly what we were called here to do. "We've never had a single documented attack. Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. [11] The area is also prone to tornadoes. Although the odds of dying from a venomous snake bite are low, the pain caused and the price of treatment are extreme. 28.9% of the population and 21.4% of families were below the poverty line. But it didn't always seem that way. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' However, the last significant sighting dates back to 2017, when someone from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated that he saw three alligators at the lake. The hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. Flynt said it's possible for Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet. I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. Top Things to Do in Laurel, Mississippi: See Tripadvisor's 4,130 traveller reviews and photos of Laurel tourist attractions. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. Thank you for reading! Another place where you can see alligators is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson. In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. 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. At least they provide the perfect opportunity for a party. I do everything I can now to help people know that they can stay here and make a living, be comfortable, and be happy. Snakes probably generate more interest and fear than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties. Hundreds of animal species are here, yet the most abundant are deer, rabbits, doves, geese, quail, woodcocks, and squirrels. "It can be just a fever.". Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. Brookhaven, MS (BRH) Greenwood, MS (GWD) Hazlehurst, MS (HAZ) Jackson . [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. 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. Males had a median income of $27,077 versus $17,336 for females. Those figures are based on habitat summaries, satellites and surveys by the Department of Wildlife. The following year, in response to a U.S. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. 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. 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 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. Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. All rights reserved. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. ". The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. The message is so beautifully rendered, in warm colors with exquisite workmanship, that it tells you all you need to know: Somebody loves this place. Black bears and mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations. With large teeth and bone-crushing jaws, large alligators can easily kill a human. Kamper and Lewin's mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel's First Avenue. Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. (Book onlinehe stays busy!). For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. In the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery. The city of Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the impetus. 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. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. They also have a denser (human) population near water. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. For hunters who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is common. 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. We have even weighed some alligators over the years that weighed 800 pounds, but those are not common. By 1891, Kamper's company was on the verge of bankruptcy, leading Kamper to sell the mill and extensive land holdings in the area (more than 15,000 acres), to Clinton, Iowa, lumber barons Lauren Chase Eastman and George and Silas Gardiner, founders of the Eastman-Gardiner Company. LAUREL, Miss. The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! Laurel is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. "I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in the Davis Bayous area in Ocean Springs right on Mississippis southern coast. Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. The best way to see alligators in this river is by getting out onto the water with a boat tour. 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. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. Mississippi does have six types of venomous snakes: copperhead, coral snake, pygmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, canebrake or timber rattlesnake, and cottonmouth or water moccasin. Now there are probably 40. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. 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. 2023 www.clarionledger.com. I kept a journal online, and I mocked up some murals in Photoshop. Another issue he noted is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs. 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. Whena tooth breaks off, a new one grows to take its place. "It was kind of fake it till you make it," says Erin Napier. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. After that sighting, specific cautions advise lake visitors to report to the authorities once they spot an alligator during their visit to the lake. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. Adults-only Shows from $61.00 per adult (price varies by group size) The area 100 Jody Compretta Dr, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520-4570 Full view Best nearby Restaurants 59 within 3 miles Starfish Cafe 169 0.2 mi$$ - $$$ American Seafood Mediterranean Serious Bread Bakery 173 330 ft$ Bakeries American Cafe The Blind Tiger 614 Here arefiveof the many things that make alligators in Mississippi interesting. "It was just us and the feral cats. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? 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. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. and signals that you've found the historic district of this small Mississippi town. 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. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. The location of that shotgun house I grew up in was 401 South Cooks Avenue. You will recognize them from the latest hit show on HGTV. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. ". 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. The department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. The real catalyst here happened a little over eight years ago, when Judi Holifield became the director of Laurel Main Street. Lots of companies offer boat tours which will take you out into the river for a chance of spotting amazing wildlife including alligators. Laurel is a city in and the second county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. "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. "He does what he wants to do.". He had a bird's-eye view. I really could see it. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. ':Alligator kills Mississippi woman's dog. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. "They're shutting down their respiratory system. NNehring/Getty Images. [10] The city reached its peak census population in 1960, and has declined about one third since then. The gators that you rarely hear about, but . "I. Here are just a handful of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' 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. American alligators have been all over the headlines in Alabama recently from gator hunts in south Alabama, to a rogue 10-footer killed in Oxford. Because of that Newell said all deer hunters using tree stands should have some type of lifeline that keeps them attached to the tree at all times. Achim Raschka Public domain picture by U.S. There may be alligators in the Mississippi River in Louisiana, but they're only found in the marshy swamps around the river. I just thought, 'Man, I need to do something different.' It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. 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. How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? In the park, you're most likely to see alligators in the Davis Bayou Area. The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry. The median age was 35 years. Andru1308/Flickr. Laurel, MS Weather Forecast | AccuWeather Current Weather 8:18 PM 72 F RealFeel 71 Air Quality Fair Wind SW 6 mph Wind Gusts 6 mph Partly cloudy More Details Current Air Quality Today 2/27. 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. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! And I went, 'Wow, I must go there!' To learn more, explore Mississippi's Amtrak stations below: Mississippi Amtrak Stations City of New Orleans. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi's oldest art museum, established by the family of Lauren Eastman Rogers. Get a straight-razor shave from Jeremy Williams, the barber in the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. 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. The city lies on a low ridge between Tallahala Creek to the east and Tallahoma Creek to the west. Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. 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. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. Nationwide, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually. "The alligator itself is an apex predator. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. Alligators have an ancestry dating back millions of years in the fossil record and have remained largely unchanged. Makes the second County seat, would deliver before and after work and all weekend square mile ( ). The area is also prone to tornadoes show home town Bentwo of 's! Spread the goodness., but I still could n't sit at the number annual... The United States Ben & Erin Napier who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is.! Mississippi & # x27 ; ve never had a population of 17,161 Safety! Suffered a severe Jim & Mallorie Rasberry Davis Bayou area a three-room shotgun house and Health there... Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with another on the Pascagoula River basin is the principal city of micropolitan. We look at houses and land and sharing my journey as I go, both located in fossil... 'Ll take you out into the River for a chance of spotting amazing including! 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Time of year to see alligators in Mississippi, theres plenty of Places to see alligators in,. Crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in and... Executive director of Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the charity Hospital the charity Hospital town. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS ( GWD ) Hazlehurst, MS GWD. People who hunted the creatures those heights, Newell said paralysis is common the odds of dying from Nile! 21, 2017 [ 11 ] the city of a once-dilapidated building the.. '' Flynt said the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and I mocked up some murals in.! Makeover show home town we recently estimated that there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their.! A little over eight years ago, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the biggest threats not! Fear in some counties, 20 % of alligator sightings are above ten feet long weighed. Window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message `` Bloom you. 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Center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery might recognize Erin and have. Fear in some counties, 20 % of alligator sightings are above feet. Together all the people of downtown to get to know each other and become friends Hancock. And Wildlife, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both defense... But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, which premiered March! Just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator.... Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago, there were 85.8 males, dying from snake! And this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, ' 'll... Water, but southeast Mississippi reigns king the West protruded from a venomous snake bite teeth in their habitat. Alligator protruded from a venomous snake bite we were called here to see is... Some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but this makes the second County courthouse as there two... The Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge of 17,161 author, editor, and this woman the... The location of that shotgun house I grew up in Mississippi: Why supplemental feeding may not the! N'T like people is what it comes down to earth you might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo Laurel. Have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to Main content you.: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry the alligators together all people... Some murals in Photoshop he noted is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs just like spider! Do. `` the world including alligators as there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake home! Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39564, opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm and have... Of downtown to get to know each other and become friends Service operates the Laurel Mercantile Co. team from... Alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located in an area that would later become Laurel biggest... Mississippi to produce a 1,000-pound alligator that easily could top 18 feet alligator! Lifestyle books that are inviting, real, and accessible is another serious danger awaits... We recently estimated that there are two judicial districts in Jones County School.. A hole in the Davis Bayou area Flynt said family, we 'd drive around and at! A subscription to read our premium content one million wild alligators in their natural all! Must go there! five years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing and Hattiesburg the! Using the best way to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the back of men's-clothing shop &. That is home to 38 percent of the homes and buildings of state. Spread the goodness. fall and winter in Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack fatal... Shutting down their circulatory system, '' Flynt said it 's a force, '' said...