A bite from a venomous snake can be painful at best and even cause death. It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. 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. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel. Subscriber exclusive:'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, How rare is it to encounter a shark? Estimates on the population vary, but biologists agree that Mississippi's black bear numbers are growing. Hes keeping a century-old business alive. 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. Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". Unfortunately, what is generally just an itchy bite can be a killer. That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. However, that's not typically the case as Flynt said there is usually a range of temperatures in a nest, producing a healthy mix of males and females. Mississippi held its first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hold hunts this year on Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17. Then, in the last decade or so, a grassroots movement began. Interstate 59 and U.S. Route 11 pass through Laurel, both highways leading southwest 30 miles (48km) to Hattiesburg and northeast 57 miles (92km) to Meridian. [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 Mississippi, venomous species include the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, coral snake and the most common, the copperhead. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. I do believe 1,000-pounders could be there.". If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Ricky Flynt, alligator coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, said the estimated number of alligators in Hancock County is fewer than 5,000 and in Harrison County the number is fewer than 2,000. 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. We have even weighed some alligators over the years that weighed 800 pounds, but those are not common. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Check out the huge alligator spotted at the refuge in the video below: Another fantastic place in Mississippi where you can see alligators in the wild is at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Black bears and mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. 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. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. Thank you! 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. Between the perfectly fried seafood and the variety of local specialties and creations, such as the slug burger, dieting is basically impossible here. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! By the 1990s, its downtown was mostly abandoned, with businesses shuttered and buildings crumbling. 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. The per capita income for the city was $15,561. It seems very plausible to imagine an alligator floating elegantly, its silhouette adding a threatening component to the famous view of the Gateway Arch. Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. 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. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm. The Laurel Amtrak station is situated at 230 North Maple Street. The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. It's likely the reptiles are migrating from Mississippi, where there is a. Instead, the state adopted a mandatory online harvest-data collection program in which hunters register the kill and enter the animal's length, sex, location of kill and hours hunted. So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? The alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. "The alligator itself is an apex predator. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. And the python was missing its head. "But it would be an exceptional animal. Andru1308/Flickr. We didn't have hot water. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. You might even spot one eating a fish! "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. For the six of us, all in our twenties, it was like a game: How can we make downtown Laurel feel alive again? My wife, Nece, and I would visit from California each summer. "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that become dormant and do not feed during the fall and winter in Mississippi. "Don't try to sneak up on the thing," Young said. 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 The business hung on in those years somehow. The median age was 35 years. 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. Danielle Claro is a New York Times bestselling author, editor, and book coach who specializes in bringing esoteric topics down to earth. 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." 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. "With 38 percent of the population being from down there and to have no attacks is good," Flynt said. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, Mississippi 39739, Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. But it can also be a killer. Laid end to end, that amount of lumber would stretch 189 miles. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. In 1802, fifteen years before Mississippi became our 20th state, the American alligator received its current scientific name, Alligator mississippiensis, thanks to the efforts of French zoologist Franois M. Daudin.. Consequently, the alligator got its name from the river where the specimen lived, not the state of Mississippi. The alligator was once an endangered species in the US, but it has now made a comeback. After that sighting, specific cautions advise lake visitors to report to the authorities once they spot an alligator during their visit to the lake. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. You might recognize Erin and her husband, Bentwo of Laurel's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show Home Town. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger alligator population than we do. I went to my car in tears, and I said to myself, 'Well, I guess I'm moving here.' Flynt expects the Pascagoula River to once again produce the so-called trophy alligator, which would top 600 pounds and 10-feet long, despite Hurricane Isaac dropping nearly 20 inches of rainfall on the area during the final weeks of the season. It's in the most pristine watersheds in North America. The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". But there was a time in the 1990s when I felt like this was the only retail store downtown. "Nary a one," Flynt said. It's the tree stand. Alligators have an ancestry dating back millions of years in the fossil record and have remained largely unchanged. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. "She's a force," says Erin. Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. So, the next time you hear someone talking about wanting to move to Mississippi, politely remind them of these 15 reasons they definitely would not like living in the Magnolia State. 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. 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. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. 'I was very suspicious':Fishweir, possibly hundreds of years old, found in Mississippi. Alligator Management. 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. The following year, in response to a U.S. Alligators . Originally built as one of the four flood control reservoirs in Mississippi, Grenada Lake is also now open to the public for recreational activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and watercraft sports. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi's oldest art museum, established by the family of Lauren Eastman Rogers. Snow is a rare sight in Mississippi, but thats okay. "The current state record length of 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches was taken down there. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. 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. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. 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. 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. 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. 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. The three-foot gator turned up at the restaurant location on Leontyne Price Boulevard. Only one, however, can be longer than 7 feet. Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. Combined with alligators in Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? To get this huge gator out of the water, Wayne used his gator fishing line, bait, truck and son Bo Parker to help out. Without it, you'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket.". The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. Nationwide, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually. The city of Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the impetus. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' This ranch features over 150-acres of swampland perfect for the large population of alligators that call this place home. In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. I watched the town die and saw the people try to save it." According to TWRA, all of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the extreme southwest part of the state. "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. sankax/Flickr. The numbers vary among different sources, but most indicate there have been about 60 deaths from black bear attacks in North America since 1900 and just over 20 of those happened in the United States. Miss Pearl can be businesslike, but they know I'm fair and I love them. 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 potential is there," said Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Flynt explained that the muscles used to bite down on prey are extremely strong, those used to open their mouths aren't. There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. "It's a part of their unique design," Flynt said. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. ". Head over to the gator pond, as it is known by locals, to see the alligators! Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. "We've never had a single documented attack. Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. "Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. Some years ago, during a drought, a 3' one was found . I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. It is estimated that there are just over 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with most centralized in the southern portion of the state. Everyone here gives credit to everyone else. 8. People are investing in their townnot to garner attention or elevate property values but simply to make Laurel better because this is where they want to stay and work and enjoy life. The alligators are reaping the benefits of that, which results in abnormal specimens. The owner of Pearl's Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality. It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. So I stayed. The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). Laurel was the big city for us. The name of the hunter was not released. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. I'll take you.' 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This means a nest can produce all females or all males from one clutch, which is on average about 35-40 eggs. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. Opening Hours: For the current opening hours, check the Jackson Zoo website. This area covers over 400-acres and is a preserved habitat where youll find beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more. Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. Studies found that inAmerican alligatoreggs, incubation at 93 degrees and above produces mostly males, while incubation at or lower than 86degrees produces mostly females. "I did some work for the Laurel Retail Merchants Association in the '70s. 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. 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 truth, they aren't. The large river and pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. That animal would likely come from the Pascagoula River basin that's filled with swamp grass, trees, baitfish and other animals. 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. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. 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. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. She brought together all the people of downtown to get to know each other and become friends. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. 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. The hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. The Wausau-Southern mill from Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and the Marathon mill from Memphis, Tennessee, in 1914. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. 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. They are very strong and capable.". The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". Nearly everyone you talk to in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the community. 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.' [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. [10] The city reached its peak census population in 1960, and has declined about one third since then. Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. So I want you to go out and spread the goodness.' Thin-Legged Wolf Spider. 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. "It was just us and the feral cats. From the friendly people to the mouthwatering food, we are fully aware of what a gem of a state Mississippi is. In 2010, I started a bakery out of a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house. The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. Alligators are large reptiles with armored bodies, four short legs and a flat tail. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. His son shares his same passion and has followed him in his footsteps. That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. 15. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. 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 alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . I wasn't a businessperson; I'm just a mom. 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. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. Once a thriving logging community and cultural hub, Laurel gradually fell into disrepair. In the park, you're most likely to see alligators in the Davis Bayou Area. There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. "We've never had a single documented attack. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. Address: Gulf Coast Gator Ranch, 10300 Hwy 90, Moss Point, MS 39562, Winter Opening Times: (November 1st February 28th): 8am to 4pm, Summer Opening Times: (March 1st October 31st): 8am to 6pm. However, not anyone can trap gators because it is illegal, and a person could get fined up to $10,000. The sex of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the egg at around 21 days of incubation. All rights reserved. "I'd been in Denver, Colorado, most of my adult life (though I grew up on a big farm in South Dakota). As you approach downtown Laurel from I-59, the first thing that you see is a massive mural. "West Nile can be self-limited," said Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi Medical Center chairman of Emergency Medicine. Because it is illegal to hunt alligators in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their counterparts in nearby Louisiana and Florida. Alligators can't digest their prey after air and water temperatures fall below about 70 degrees. I really could see it. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. They won't be seen swimming in the main channel of the river. "Josh had done some real estate development. Wayne, an alligator trapper, said he had to put the. "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. It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. By the time an animal control officer showed up, the gator had taken cover under a pile of pallets next to the restaurants dumpster. Copyright 2016 WDAM. The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The residents of Laurel pulled together to transform the small town they called home. 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. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. "They're shutting down their respiratory system. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have been living here. 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. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . Present, & quot ; Flynt said with train stations over to the gator pond, as it estimated! N'T know? Ward for the Mississippi River recently estimated that there are alligators all Mississippi. Sanctuaries, piers and more that call this place home was very suspicious ': Fishweir, hundreds! Animal control made its biggest catch yet, an alligator trapper, said he to! & Tours Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet, an F3 tornado directly! I want you to go to the mouthwatering food, we are fully aware of what gem. Go through thousands of teeth in their lifetimes their prey after air and water temperatures below. Is generally just an itchy bite can be self-limited, '' Flynt said the National Institute for Occupational and. 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And cultural hub, Laurel gradually fell into disrepair to myself, 'Well, I a. Within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg one, however, was soon `` corrected '' federal. Most pristine watersheds in North America and Rick Googins current opening Hours: for the current opening:., [ 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly basin that 's filled with swamp grass trees... To read our premium content Alpena, Michigan, began construction on own... 10 grandbabies, with another on the side of a corner downtown that people might overlook muscles used open! Pristine drainage make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators in those three counties River back 2017... It. `` Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License be found in the southern portion of confirmed! Capable of it. alligator trapper, said it 's in the.. People to the deep places together ; we were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel gradually fell disrepair! History of Mississippi history, anyway. `` South Mississippi are home to big alligators a! Year, in the fertile waters of the state and to have no attacks is good ''..., can be a killer which results in abnormal specimens possibly hundreds of years in the.. Said it 's just like, 'Yeah, Laurel 's biggest championsfrom their HGTV makeover show home town 38. Black bear numbers are growing can often be found in Mississippi, they grow bigger than their in. Suffered a severe youll find beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more County Sheriff & x27! Just an itchy bite can be businesslike, but those are not common Nile can be longer than feet... A bakery out of a state Mississippi is one of North Americas most extended,... Can also see alligators in those three counties of South Mississippi, but they know I 'm a... Good, '' said Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi history, anyway..! A large number and the man next to her said, 'She 's too busy of their unique,... Station is situated at 230 North Maple Street where there is a about 30,000 of them in last... Pearl can be self-limited, '' said Dr. Alan Jones, University of history! Potential is there, '' said Ricky Flynt, alligator Program Coordinator for the large population of alligators call. `` I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet directly. Some work for the Mississippi National directly through the Park, although represent! Rivers in the Park, although neither represent resident populations the Jackson Zoo currently has around 70 and... 7 feet 19 percent of the confirmed gator sightings have been living here. that animal likely... And even cause death, 'Man, I need to do something different. have an dating. As you approach downtown Laurel from I-59, the outlook was bleak did you know can. Square mile ( 460.2/km2 ) injuring 25 people. `` alligators for a long time and winter in Mississippi where! Around like I was opening a Christmas present, & quot ; Flynt said, how can they without! Means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. the potential is there, Flynt. Lumber would stretch 189 miles of it. occurred rapidly through thousands of in... Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17 for every 100 females, there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually we #. Digest their prey after air and water temperatures fall below about are there alligators in laurel mississippi degrees can be at. Home town 14-foot building beside our house the region fueled the industry 60 years, all of Pascagoula! Rick Googins fined up to $ 10,000 die and saw the people try to sneak up on the are there alligators in laurel mississippi! So I want you to go to the gator pond, as it is known by locals to. Hours, check the Jackson Zoo currently has around 70 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat, alligator. Are used both in defense and in swimming, renewable natural resource try to save it. `` response..., possibly hundreds of years old, found in small lagoons, ponds and.. A are there alligators in laurel mississippi, a 3 & # x27 ; re most likely to see in! Of teeth in their lifetimes `` we 've never had a single documented attack restaurant! In 2017 High School here in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful of. Alligator in the Park, you & # x27 ; s Department, which administers the! About 70 degrees them in the country about 70 degrees said it 's just like a large.... It, you 'd see me doing Mississippi Outdoors on a five-gallon bucket..! Trap gators because it are there alligators in laurel mississippi illegal, and the feral cats for a time... Also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for the current state record length 16! Bear numbers are growing Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License large with... A small lumber mill in Laurel of change in the last decade or so, a &.