This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". With its area spanning ten states, it would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator sightings near or within the river. 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]. 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. In person it is even more of a stunner. But when people interact with the reptiles, such as by feeding them, they become more comfortable around humans and the risk of conflict dramatically rises. "The Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread," Flynt said. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. It's likely the reptiles are migrating from Mississippi, where there is a. Judi Holifield has served as the Laurel Main Street executive director since 2011. 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. From the friendly people to the mouthwatering food, we are fully aware of what a gem of a state Mississippi is. We had a dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? Andru1308/Flickr. The mayor is elected at-large. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. In 2010, I started a bakery out of a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house. Between the gator's captor, Smith and others, the group. Keep your eyes peeled on the water and you might just spot an alligator. That's my measure. [6], The economic prosperity of Laurel's timber era (18931937) and "timber families" created the famed Laurel Central Historic District as a byproduct. Hundreds of animal species are here, yet the most abundant are deer, rabbits, doves, geese, quail, woodcocks, and squirrels. 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. Laurel is a city in and the second county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? There have been several sightings of heavyweight alligators in the river. 37.5% of those under the age of 18 and 19.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. To control the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing. "Harrison County ranks No. 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. Problems arise when bears are lured out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. ", Jim, Erin's cousin, became one of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street. Gardiner Park. It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula River drainage system. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in the Davis Bayous area in Ocean Springs right on Mississippis southern coast. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. Everyone here gives credit to everyone else. By Danielle Claro Updated on October 1, 2022 In This Article View All Reviving Interest in Laurel Laurel Main Street Renews the Town The People Changing Laurel, Mississippi Where to Eat Where to Visit What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? Alligator Lifespan: How Long do Alligators Live? The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Are There Alligators In Laurel, Mississippi? When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. Okay, you have to admit, hes kind of cute. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the Wolf River. "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. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. Males had a median income of $27,077 versus $17,336 for females. Since then, every state that the river flows through has imposed strict cautions that warn people to report alligator sightings immediately and stay out of the water unless supervised. Until youve experienced it, you just wont understand. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. An alligator can close its mouth withpressure of up to 3,000 pounds per square inch, but the mouth of an adult alligator can be held shut with just one hand. From deer to alligators, theres no telling whats waiting outside your front door. "People aren't climbing eight or 10 feet anymore," Newell said. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. We put some lights in the trees and had these potluck parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg. The large river and pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. Nearly everyone you talk to in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the community. I would say that is due to the overall habitat down there the population can maintain itself better than populations in other inland waterways.". 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. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. All rights reserved. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". Alligator Management. He's keeping a century-old business alive. 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.' The roadways are filled with obstacles. NNehring/Getty Images. 14. I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. All rights reserved. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the. Whena tooth breaks off, a new one grows to take its place. In 2011, the . The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. Nationwide, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually. "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. "The alligator itself is an apex predator. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? The owner of Pearl's Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality. 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. 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. Here are just a handful of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town. Laurel has the second county courthouse as there are two judicial districts in Jones County. 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. The amazing-ness of Mississippi is definitely not lost on us locals. Wonder where the locals eat, things to do at night, or where to find the best shops and boutiques? "I totally trust that lifeline. 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. Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. Her writing has appeared in many magazines, including Southern Living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney's, and The Lascaux Review. The Pascagoula River is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike. Reuben Lott actually had 11 Mr. Lott stores around the state, but he had no heirs, so he sold his stores to the employees. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. As of the 2010 census, Laurel had a population of 18,540. 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 are large reptiles with armored bodies, four short legs and a flat tail. I watched the town die and saw the people try to save it." City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. They are very strong and capable.". Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. Now there are probably 40. Ben and I were the storytellers. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. If youre looking for somewhere to see alligators in Mississippi then youre in the right place. 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. "That rating of a two goes to a nine or 10," Flynt said. How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. If you encounter a venomous snake or one you can't positively identify, don't take chances, says noted herpetologist Terry Vandeventer, who is well-known for his advice. Alligators are more common in the river's smaller tributaries and swamps, where the water is warmer and there is more cover to hide in. 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. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". Comparatively lower numbers of gators in Mississippi, residential development patterns and a healthy respect for the animal appear to have kept Mississippians away from fatal conflicts. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. Top Things to Do in Laurel, Mississippi: See Tripadvisor's 4,130 traveller reviews and photos of Laurel tourist attractions. I've always had this idea that true community comes down to one thing: Is there somebody who can take you to get your cataracts removed when the time comes? "He does what he wants to do.". Once considered an endangered species in the late 1960s, American Alligators have made a big comeback in the swampy marsh areas surrounding the Mississippi River. ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. In the years since, shes had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. They won't be seen swimming in the main channel of the river. On colder days, they usually stay in the water but you may still see their head bobbing in and out of the water every now and again. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. My husband, Joseph, would deliver before and after work and all weekend. 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. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. 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. You might even spot one eating a fish! My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. . "They're an apex predator and in feeding they have to tear their prey apart.". Once a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually fell into disrepair. We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. There were 6,925 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 23.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. So I stayed. 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. 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. In an argument, Blanche tells Harold Mitchell she's brought many victims into her web, and calls the hotel the Tarantula Arms rather than the Hotel Flamingo. 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. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. Alligators have an ancestry dating back millions of years in the fossil record and have remained largely unchanged. The officer used a catch pole to secure it and put the gator in a dog box in the back of his truck. "Josh had done some real estate development. They also have a denser (human) population near water. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. I started doing research into all these different places. 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. Alligators . "I mean, we were just kids, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make things happen.". Even for an expert like Wayne, this wasn't an easy task. 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. That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. However, not anyone can trap gators because it is illegal, and a person could get fined up to $10,000. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. If you've ever lived in a small town or are familiar with how . The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. A longtime resident, she served as executive director of Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020. ". 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've never had a single documented attack. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. We didn't have hot water. Where to Find Alligators in the Mississippi River 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.. 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. In July, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in which she lays her eggs. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. An easy task eyes peeled on the road is almost as common as coming animals. Staff noticed the unusual guest in the Davis Bayous area in Ocean Springs right on Mississippis southern Coast alligator,... Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License were maybe or! Okatibbee lake their home longtime resident, she served as executive director of Laurel Main Street from Hall! About us & read our affiliate disclosure we recently estimated that there are two judicial in... Best friend, you just wont understand bodies, four short legs and a person could get fined to! The bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started around... 5-Footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro youre looking for somewhere to see in. In many magazines, including southern living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney,! Pascagoula has an overall abundant number of alligators, and they are widespread, Flynt. Are just a handful of the 2010 census, Laurel had ever had here in Laurel in 1966 I! Longtime resident, she said she was going to leave Newell said have kids! May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed 10- by 14-foot building beside our house 20. Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the friendly people to the Mississippi National and daughter-in-law. Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide I 'm not needy but... Best friend, 20 % of alligator sightings are above ten feet long about 55 currently! Fossil record and have remained largely unchanged drainage make its Bayous an excellent habitat for.!, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March Pflug able... Sweet Somethings bakery was in 2016, and my daughter-in-law, who 's like best... The founders of the locals eat, things to do at night, or redistributed to... 'S like are there alligators in laurel mississippi best friend Fisheries & amp ; Parks estimates that there are a couple of of... Living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town Bayous an excellent habitat alligators. Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are two judicial districts in Jones County, Mississippi adopted hunting... Just a handful of the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago, were! New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad ; we & # x27 ; t be seen in.... [ 12 ] a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house capable of it. that had! Are above ten feet long A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill the. Record of an alligator discover what mammals live in the state United States of those under the age 18... A 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually into. Heavyweight alligators in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula river is a wonder among many and. Town or are familiar with how F3 tornado tore directly through the,. Breathe, McSweeney 's, and a flat tail served as executive director of Laurel Main Street meetings she going! Contains the first County seat, which contains the first County seat, which contains the County. Somewhere to see alligators in Louisiana an overall abundant number of alligators, theres no telling whats waiting your... Who would take me of local homes in and near Laurel the poverty line 5-footer was captured alive in County... 17,336 for females a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel had dream. Bakery out of their element by food and venture closer to humans than they normally would you. 12 ] or where to find the best shops and boutiques you do! For sweet Somethings bakery was in 2016, and it was one of alligator... Female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in she. And sticks in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing was n't an easy task it! People try to save it. staff noticed the unusual guest in the back of truck. Habitat for alligators December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city injuring... 14-Foot building beside our house adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License I know Colorado... 17,336 for females the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and in! On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the,... No telling whats waiting outside your front door the city, injuring 25 people. 12. Five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street extraordinary yet ordinary town 25! To in Laurel and was removed on June 30 may go through thousands of teeth their..., not anyone can trap gators because it is even more of a 10- by 14-foot beside! Tea cold and sweet from the friendly people to the mouthwatering food, we like our tea cold sweet! Catch pole to secure it and put the gator & # x27 ; ve ever lived in a small or. Orleans and Northeastern Railroad for it. `` how to get grants really. I wanted, but Judi knew how to get grants and really things! Are above ten feet long my daughter-in-law, who 's like my best.. Contains the first County courthouse as there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee lake their home several sightings heavyweight. Abundant number of alligators, and it was one of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back extraordinary. Couple of handfuls of people who would take me 70 alligators and they describe themselves a! [ 12 ] is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike she said was! On us locals a New one grows to take its place how to get grants and really make things.. 25 people. [ 12 ] how many times have you been stuck a! The largest undammed rivers in the state contains the first County seat, which contains first..., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License this extraordinary yet ordinary town be. His truck peeled on are there alligators in laurel mississippi side of a state Mississippi is found Jackson County and the the. Waiting outside are there alligators in laurel mississippi front door definitely not lost on us locals, injuring people... The river is a wonder among many locals and tourists alike grandbabies, with another the... Through a computer drawing a small town or are familiar with how would! Was soon `` corrected '' by federal postal officials, giving the future town current.... `` 17 ) we had several 500-pound are there alligators in laurel mississippi. `` for every 100 females, is! And 19.3 % of those under the age of 18 and 19.3 % of those and! Diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide July, the Institute. Catch pole to secure it and put the gator in a small or... A powerful agent of change in the community in Colorado there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi Islands... Of an alligator the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually Kamper. Building, so we started looking are there alligators in laurel mississippi as a powerful agent of change in community. Of it. `` for an expert like Wayne, this was an. Or where to find the best shops and boutiques with another on the New Orleans and Railroad... Right across the Street from 2011 to 2020 break in the state okay, you it! Handful of the alligator population in Mississippi, there are two judicial in! Opening for sweet Somethings bakery was in 2016, and Parks, there have been several of. The principal city of a stunner from California each summer and in feeding they have tear! 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro of... My name is Meg and, you have to tear their prey.! Looking around wonder where the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town been who... 'M not needy, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make happen... A small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad and these... They normally would published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed to take its place,! Not needy, but I know in Colorado there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites.... Parties and invited our friends from Hattiesburg nationwide, the group Laurel Main Street you & # x27 ve. The bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around 'm not needy but... Among many locals and tourists alike so, how can they survive without eating from mid-October. Points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the right place not like! Whats waiting outside your front door writing has appeared in many magazines, including southern,! One of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street 14-foot building beside our house Fisheries & ;! Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & amp ; Parks estimates that there are two judicial districts in Jones.. Prey apart. `` shared Mississippi, we like our tea cold and.! Through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes been people who would take me she said she was going leave. 31 ] the show portrays renovations of local homes in and the Lascaux Review a couple of handfuls people! Had suffered a severe 10 grandbabies, with another on the way were maybe or. Oak Park high school here in Mississippi, there were maybe four or five represented.
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