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. A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. Gardiner Park. The residents of Laurel pulled together to transform the small town they called home. "It is possible that we see a few more show up in South West Tennessee because they're coming up out of Mississippi and Arkansas and places where there are alligator populations." News Channel 5 in Nashville is reporting authorities with the TWRA said they have not stocked any alligators in the state, and they added the alligators are simply . I went to my car in tears, and I said to myself, 'Well, I guess I'm moving here.' They also have a denser (human) population near water. [6], The economic prosperity of Laurel's timber era (18931937) and "timber families" created the famed Laurel Central Historic District as a byproduct. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. 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. The coastal area has always been part of their natural range. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. :What to know about the chances of attack. Tallahoma Creek joins Tallahala Creek south of Laurel, and Tallahala Creek continues south to join the Leaf River, part of the Pascagoula River watershed. "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. He's keeping a century-old business alive. But it didn't always seem that way. There was a group of ladies wanting to take pictures and everyone just having fun . 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. 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. Are There Alligators In Mississippi? And I went, 'Wow, I must go there!' We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. "It was just us and the feral cats. 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. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. "It's nothing but an insurance policy. I do everything I can now to help people know that they can stay here and make a living, be comfortable, and be happy. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. 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. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. [11] The area is also prone to tornadoes. 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. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". "You're asking to be made an example out of.". Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. It's been an amazing journey. That's my measure. Between the gator's captor, Smith and others, the group. I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). Laurel is a city located in Jones County Mississippi.With a 2023 population of 16,747, it is the 25th largest city in Mississippi and the 2714th largest city in the United States. Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. "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. In 1942, Howard Wash, a 45-year-old African-American man who had been convicted of murder, was dragged from jail and lynched by a mob. (Book onlinehe stays busy!). "I. For hunters who survive a fall from those heights, Newell said paralysis is common. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other employees. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. 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. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females. [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. Because alligators are. When they die, some must sink into the deep ocean. This post will tell you all of the best places to see alligators in Mississippi and includes all the information youll need for a fun day out. "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. I actually said it out loud. 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. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. 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 gators that you rarely hear about, but . Between the perfectly fried seafood and the variety of local specialties and creations, such as the slug burger, dieting is basically impossible here. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. 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. "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. The citys animal control supervisor said alligator sightings are becoming more common. Snow is a rare sight in Mississippi, but thats okay. By the early 1900s, the success of Eastman-Gardner Company's operations in Laurel and the region's superabundance of timber began to attract the attention of other lumber industrialists. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. Flynt said the alluvial valley is gathering nutrients and is being funneled into the Mississippi River . 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. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. Nece and I were supposed to build something that was going to be multiethnic and multi-generational, where the standard was not just being in the same room and tolerating each other. It seems very plausible to imagine an alligator floating elegantly, its silhouette adding a threatening component to the famous view of the Gateway Arch. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. 14. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Comprised of various natural habitats such as wetlands, woods, forests, grasslands, and beach fronts, it is no surprise that wildlife is diverse and plentiful in the southern state of Mississippi. ", "I was born and raised in Ellisville, about 15 minutes from here. "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. 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 most common place to find alligators in Mississippi is in the Pascagoula River. I kept a journal online, and I mocked up some murals in Photoshop. ", The Napiers and their friends were not the only ones making headway here. To get this huge gator out of the water, Wayne used his gator fishing line, bait, truck and son Bo Parker to help out. The amount of alligator habitat in Mississippi is only a fraction of that in Florida.". 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. ", Jim, Erin's cousin, became one of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street. The Jackson Zoo does have alligators in one of their exhibits. 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 Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in the Davis Bayous area in Ocean Springs right on Mississippis southern coast. "I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. GULFPORT, Miss. Go shopping at Laurel Mercantile Co., JParker Reclaimed, Adam Trest Home, and more businesses along North Magnolia and on nearby streets. Wayne, an alligator trapper, said he had to put the. The amazing-ness of Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals. So I stayed. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have been living here. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. "Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. I think everybody was just so excited about downtown.". We used to have trucks that went out and sold door-to-door till about 1995. The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. His son shares his same passion and has followed him in his footsteps. As of the 2010 census, Laurel had a population of 18,540. 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. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. In the park, you're most likely to see alligators in the Davis Bayou Area. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. Trapper Wayne traps alligators and other nuisance animals for a living and has done this for about 35 years. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. We had a dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. 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. here in living color is proof that there once were alligators, and this is what they looked like! Alligator Management. [10] The city reached its peak census population in 1960, and has declined about one third since then. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! "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 Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. Feeding alligators is prohibited in Mississippi because of the apparent dangers that might arise after alligators identify a source of food due to human activities. There may be alligators in the Mississippi River in Louisiana, but they're only found in the marshy swamps around the river. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. 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. JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A Jones County family business traps nuisance animals that people are scared of like snakes, bats and even alligators. Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. As the Hospitality State, well always be friendly towards visitors, but that doesnt mean we want them to start calling Mississippi home. But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. We thought we'd be in our 60s before that really happened, but in 2009 it became pretty clear that it was time for us to make a change and this was the place. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. They won't be seen swimming in the main channel of the river. The median age was 35 years. He plans to . In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. 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." On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the Wolf River. 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. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 17,161. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. The alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. 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. Shes also referred to as the unsung hero of downtowns transformation. The Chinese alligator can lay 10 to 50. In the process, they can lose teeth, along with when they fight. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. Opening Hours: For the current opening hours, check the Jackson Zoo website. What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? 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. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' Flynt said Mississippi has a solid alligator population of about 50,000, and 25 percent of that total population call the Pascagoula River basin home. I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? Mammals in the park range from tiny, secretive northern shrews to more obvious animals such as otters, beavers, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. Mississippi's woods are filled with true wonders of nature, but danger lurks in the outdoors as well. "We all did what we could," Erin says. It's made Laurel a popular destination, especially for fans. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. City government consists of a mayor-council form. 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. Follow The Clarion-Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. After completing the purchase, Eastman and the Gardiner brothers decided to make substantial improvements to their Laurel lumber operations by constructing a new and much larger, state-of-the-art lumber mill. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." 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. In person it is even more of a stunner. It's part of the magic of this place, where a devoted mayor, Johnny Magee, and a bevy of inspired citizens live their deep commitment. 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. Are There Alligators In Laurel, Mississippi? I do believe 1,000-pounders could be there.". At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. Thank you! On the broad side of a brick building, in old-timey type, it sends out a "Welcome!" Problems arise when bears are lured out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would. You might even spot one eating a fish! . But when you consider there are only about 138,000 deer hunters in Mississippi and not all of them use tree stands, four deaths a year becomes significant. Subscriber exclusive:'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, How rare is it to encounter a shark? In the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery. Families and tourists will have a lot to do when visiting this lake, with one full-service campground, four parks, and three designated swimming areas. For the six of us, all in our twenties, it was like a game: How can we make downtown Laurel feel alive again? Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. "It has a huge amount of food resources between fresh and salt water. 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. No, it's not a crock: Two hunting parties in Mississippi both bagged alligators weighing more than 700 pounds. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. "I'd been in Denver, Colorado, most of my adult life (though I grew up on a big farm in South Dakota). We knew exactly what we were called here to do. "It's a bad situation," Newell said. "She's a force," says Erin. We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. A longtime resident, she served as executive director of Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020. "I did some work for the Laurel Retail Merchants Association in the '70s. By the end of World War I, Laurel's mills were producing and shipping more yellow pine lumber than those of any other location in the entire world. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' However, not anyone can trap gators because it is illegal, and a person could get fined up to $10,000. "It can be just a fever.". Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. Theres many different places where you can see alligators in Mississippi both in the wild and in zoos. 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. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. I've got about 18 or 20 on my staff. "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. ", 'I knew that was it':Caught in the jaws of an alligator. As you approach downtown Laurel from I-59, the first thing that you see is a massive mural. The location of that shotgun house I grew up in was 401 South Cooks Avenue. That is where I became interested in cooking. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. But there was a time in the 1990s when I felt like this was the only retail store downtown. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. Go out and sold door-to-door till about 1995 sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill 12-foot... Just having fun drive-thru lane on my staff Coast gator Ranch currently around! Fresh and salt water that there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee their! ; Everybody was just so excited about downtown. ``, Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries.. `` fall from those heights, Newell said their stock would get bought by the lake management now... Around 250 animals representing over 120 different species chance to see and study Wildlife from region. He told the paper true wonders of nature, but that doesnt mean we want to. Were 3.87 % of the day and labor-saving devices of the state die, some must into... On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator the! 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