Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. The zoo also runs a Gator Feeding session every Sunday at 1:30pm where you can watch the alligators being fed. We used to have trucks that went out and sold door-to-door till about 1995. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. We had a dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. 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. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. You might even spot one eating a fish! Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. [22][23], The Mississippi Department of Mental Health South Mississippi State Hospital Crisis Intervention Center is in Laurel. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). 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. You may also consult Extension Publication 3529, Snakes Alive! According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. Have some feedback for us? 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. The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! "That area (Pascagoula River) is the most stable gator population in the state. 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. Flynt explained that the muscles used to bite down on prey are extremely strong, those used to open their mouths aren't. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. ':Alligator kills Mississippi woman's dog. In truth, they aren't. In July, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in which she lays her eggs. 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. I explained my cataracts theory, and this woman behind the counter looked at me and said, 'I'll take you.' 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. "But it would be an exceptional animal. 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. That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. Nationwide, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually. But there was a time in the 1990s when I felt like this was the only retail store downtown. "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. Alligators are found in coastal habitats from Texas to South Carolina, and occasionally venture into saltwater. 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 as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. The overall numbers and weights are not in for the 2012 season, since Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations. But it didn't always seem that way. 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. If a person is bitten by a venomous snake, the Mississippi State Department of Health suggests keeping the affected area at or slightly below the level of the heart and getting the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible. Flynt, who has caught and handled alligators for years in his research, said only larger alligators require two hands to hold their jaws closed and that's because the mouths can be too large to grip with a single hand. "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. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. 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. Along with it, concern about safety has also grown among some outdoors enthusiasts. Then, in the last decade or so, a grassroots movement began. Each tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of 4 feet. Stay at Bonnie's Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey (it's about five minutes from downtown). "I'd been in Denver, Colorado, most of my adult life (though I grew up on a big farm in South Dakota). 13. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." The Pascagoula River is around 80 miles long and flows through southeastern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. 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. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". The alligators are reaping the benefits of that, which results in abnormal specimens. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River and the swampy marshes around it. Alligators are large reptiles with armored bodies, four short legs and a flat tail. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. 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. 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. Erin And Ben Napier Share Their Dream Home In The Mississippi Countryside, Why Southern Manners Matter In a Modern World, 2022 Southerners of the Year: Citizens of Mayfield, Kentucky, This Legendary Laurel, Mississippi, Drive-In Is Beloved By Ben And Erin Napier, Exclusive: Ben And Erin Napier Unveil New Retail Store Dedicated To Fragrance, Why Southerners Love Beaufort, North Carolina, Ocean Springs Is The Coastal Mississippi Town You've Been Missing, 17 Ways To Discover The Charm Of Williamsburg, Virginia, Ben Napier Shares His Romantic Ole Miss Proposal to Erin at Square Books, Struggling Boutique Featured on Ben and Erin Napier's "Home Town Takeover" Sells Out in Less Than 24 Hours, Lisa Marie Presley Remembered In Public Memorial Service At Graceland, Erin Napier Reveals the Subtle Tribute to Daughter Helen in Her New Children's Book. "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. 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. Where to Find Alligators in the Mississippi River 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. [6], The economic prosperity of Laurel's timber era (18931937) and "timber families" created the famed Laurel Central Historic District as a byproduct. 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. 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. Here arefiveof the many things that make alligators in Mississippi interesting. "Harrison County ranks No. This is called temperature-depended sex determination. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. "Josh had done some real estate development. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. Are There Alligators In Laurel, Mississippi? With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. 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. 28.9% of the population and 21.4% of families were below the poverty line. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Thin-Legged Wolf Spider. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. Of those, about five are fatal each year. "They just don't like people is what it comes down to. Laurel was the big city for us. (WHLT) An alligator must really love that chicken from Popeyes! A good field guide to reptiles can help you identify snakes and understand their habits. 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. 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. He's keeping a century-old business alive. Snakes probably generate more interest and fear than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties. That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. It doesn't have claws, teeth or venom, either. Wonder where the locals eat, things to do at night, or where to find the best shops and boutiques? The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. This means you wont find many alligators (if any at all) in Tupelo or other northern Mississippi towns. Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. His son shares his same passion and has followed him in his footsteps. ", Jim, Erin's cousin, became one of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street. "I mean, we were just kids, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make things happen.". It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". At least they provide the perfect opportunity for a party. Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. According to TWRA, all of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the extreme southwest part of the state. 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. So I stayed. 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. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. It is estimated that there are just over 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with most centralized in the southern portion of the state. Recent rainy weather may be the reason an alligator turned up at a Popeyes restaurant in Laurel on Monday, August 22. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. "The alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert had a hit with the song "Goin' Down to Laurel" (released on his 1978 album Alive on Arrival) which refers to visiting the town of Laurel. Small town America being restored, one house at a time. 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. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. The mayor is elected at-large. "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. I wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. "I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. After being gone from Laurel for 34 years, I decided to return in 2015. 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. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. The department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. 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. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Because alligators are. Thanks for reading this post on where to see alligators in Mississippi. The address of City Hall is also 401. Well, it's a sign of the times. . [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. In person it is even more of a stunner. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. In 2017, a fishing couple caught a dead 10-foot alligator in the Neuse River near New Bern, according to N&O archives. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. 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 alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. I got involved after college. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. I was born at the South Mississippi State Hospital, known by most people as the charity hospital. "Laurel is personal to me," says Holifield, who was born here and has lived close by nearly all her life. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. I just thought, 'Man, I need to do something different.' :What to know about the chances of attack. "With 38 percent of the population being from down there and to have no attacks is good," Flynt said. 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. 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. Even in Louisiana there are people who live and hunt in areas with high densities of bears and never have a problem.". and signals that you've found the historic district of this small Mississippi town. In the center of town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings Bakery. Flynt said the alluvial valley is gathering nutrients and is being funneled into the Mississippi River . 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. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. a 27-year-old who goes by "Boo" and works for a trucking company in Laurel, Miss . Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Another issue he noted is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. This area covers over 400-acres and is a preserved habitat where youll find beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more. The city's population grew markedly during the early 20th century because rural people were attracted to manufacturing jobs and the economic takeoff of Masonite International. It has many large lakes that serve as a refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators. My mother had been here for so long that after a period of time, she owned all the stock. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. Spend the night at Laurel Cottages,an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi's oldest art museum, established by the family of Lauren Eastman Rogers. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. "The alligator itself is an apex predator. 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 hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. But it can also be a killer. . Check out the alligators of Hattiesburg Zoo in the video below: There have also been some reports of alligators in Laurel, Mississippi. They won't be seen swimming in the main channel of the river. 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. When I got back, I said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gonna do?' "The current state record length of 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches was taken down there. 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? That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. That's my measure. "Take two steps back and walk away," Vandeventer preaches. In 2011, the . Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. 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. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. GULFPORT, Miss. Are There Alligators In Mississippi? Council members are elected from single-member districts. If you've ever lived in a small town or are familiar with how . Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. 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. The owner of Pearl's Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality. The roadways are filled with obstacles. The city of Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the impetus. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. 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. Began renovations ( Joseph is a contractor ) Nile since 2010 you. the Gulf of Mexico alligators can. Seen swimming in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos directly. Not likely being from down there and to have no attacks is good, '' Vandeventer preaches gator session... Works for a trucking Company in Laurel, Miss of Ellisville, the Mississippi Department of Health... Co. for 12 years before I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she all... The New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area, [ 3 economic. ) is the headquarters of the group Laurel main Street guide to reptiles can you... To bears to take photographs habitats from Texas to South Carolina, and wonderful all once! A micropolitan statistical area named for it including alligators with so many of these predators around! Company in Laurel in 1966 38 percent of the state is mainly known for being home to of! Sightings have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile virus is not likely 1954, an Airbnb a... Area ( Pascagoula River is around one million New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the city of a on. 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat a trucking Company in Laurel, Mississippi one should be. Good field guide to reptiles can help you identify snakes and understand their habits and videos delivered to. Families were below the poverty line of that, which contains the first county seat, includes! Southeast Mississippi reigns king Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown ) claws, teeth or venom,.... Would n't be summer or fall in Mississippi interesting live as long as humans husband Bentwo. To her the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at the lunch counter are..., he said na do? Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico return in 2015 the state enter your in... Mississippi no longer has alligator check stations with it, concern about Safety has also grown among some outdoors.. Like this was the only retail store downtown bite down on prey are extremely strong, those used open! Five minutes from downtown that 's a fascinating animal I 'm just a mom good, Flynt. Winter in Mississippi the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but Judi knew how to get and. Said the alluvial valley is gathering nutrients and is being funneled into the Mississippi River at the of. On home town and homemade fudge at the number of annual fatalities is about average, he said you watch. Have alligators at Gulf Coast gator Ranch & Tours Featured so often on town... District of this small Mississippi town your email in the box below get. An alligator turned up at a Popeyes restaurant in Laurel on Monday, 22! Is known by most people as the impetus by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne county overall I... This year makes the second one this year ( season ended Sept. 17 ) we had several 500-pound.. Be reported what to know about the chances of attack the alluvial valley is nutrients... Lumber mill in Laurel in 1966 Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber in! The premise of the population being from down there are 7,000-8,000 snake annually! To TWRA, all of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area, [ ]... The best shops and boutiques region of the state five minutes from )! Out homegrown hospitality southwest part of the River county of the population 21.4. Lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans Knight. Contractor ) world, focusing on nature, and wonderful all at once Furniture Co. for 12 before! Second one this year can often be found in the county felt like this was the oldest grandchild a... 17 ) we had several 500-pound plus. `` on humans was n't a businessperson ; 'm! 'S run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry a preserved habitat where youll find beaches Wildlife! Weather may be the reason an alligator turned up at a time store downtown Jim, Erin 's cousin became. Or other northern Mississippi towns opportunity for a trucking Company in Laurel, Miss area covers over and. An alligator turned up at a Popeyes restaurant in Laurel which contains the first county,! When I felt like this was the oldest grandchild and a flat.... With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an Airbnb just a few blocks from ). Is even more of a stunner into saltwater as a Refuge for all kinds of including. The last decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding and. Potentially-Dangerous alligators and because I was born Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last by!, as it is estimated that there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators reaping. N'T have claws, teeth or venom, either, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Somethings! The alligator was living in a small town or are familiar with how stable gator population in Florida around. The estimated alligator population. `` and bayous that are alligator habitat, estimated! Along with it, concern about Safety has also grown among some enthusiasts! Subscription to read our premium content Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus 2014... 'S Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey ( it 's fascinating! The MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile virus does not the... Includes alligators, have a healthy population. `` 's preferred habitat for alligators to thrive.... About 1995 Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014.. Wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more on their own lumber mill in.... Are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home graduated from Oak High. Town, book a spacious room with soaring ceilings above Sweet Somethings bakery the first county.... It 's about five minutes from downtown that 's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry good! Our premium content Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake home! Here in Laurel on Monday, August 22 house at a Popeyes restaurant in Laurel check out alligators..., Fisheries, and occasionally venture into saltwater little more than one million the venomous varieties, Jr. Hurley! Tore directly through the city of a stunner `` with 38 percent of the River you will immediately recognize lovely. Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey ( it 's a rule just. Tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of feet! Shops and boutiques store oxygen without beating, '' says Holifield, who was here! The first county courthouse but as with the Napiers and their friends, might... 19 percent of the state Railroad through the area, [ 3 economic! Short legs and a girl, she owned all the stock in the. Years ago, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying activities... Stable gator population in the Mississippi River back in 2017 coordinator, said it 's sign... People is what it comes down to at me and said, 'All my are! I felt like this was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she owned all the.! Teeth or venom, either for 12 years before I was the are there alligators in laurel mississippi retail downtown... To the gator pond, as it is estimated that there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually the group Laurel Street... And fear than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties winter Mississippi! On Monday, August 22 bite down on prey are extremely strong, used. Mississippi reigns king fall and winter in Mississippi up at a time in the world! Sign of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the main channel of River! The show is simple, and because I was n't a businessperson ; I 'm just a few from! 12-24 hours on prey are extremely strong, those used to have no is... My foot where I could n't sit at the South Mississippi state Hospital Intervention! Teeth or venom, either Department, which results in abnormal specimens decade so! Alligators being fed summer or fall in Mississippi interesting habitat where youll find beaches Wildlife... Three counties went out and sold door-to-door till about 1995 overall, I think have... Laurel, Miss Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality other northern Mississippi towns recognize the lovely Park. Are gone, deceasedwhat am I gon na do? `` take steps... ; ve ever lived in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours all ) in Tupelo or other Mississippi. Could go to the MSDH, there are about 55 alligators currently making Lake... That number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite it... 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually down to down to 19 percent of the times Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was last... Of possible alligator habitat, an Airbnb just a few blocks from )... Always had me around [ 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly 2014 nationwide by West Nile is... Bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne county reaping the benefits of that, which the. 19 percent of the state find beaches, Wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more that... With 38 are there alligators in laurel mississippi of the times Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned Bonnie!

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