In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. explained what items had to be ordered online, and gave hints about spending wisely. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. Thank you for reading! JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A Jones County family business traps nuisance animals that people are scared of like snakes, bats and even alligators. "I was the first generation in my family who was not born here. 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. The alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. 2022 Alligator Hunting Season opens Friday in Mississippi The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside. The Wausau-Southern mill from Wausau, Wisconsin, followed in 1911, and the Marathon mill from Memphis, Tennessee, in 1914. I do everything I can now to help people know that they can stay here and make a living, be comfortable, and be happy. During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. 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. Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm. 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. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. "I totally trust that lifeline. Kamper and Lewin's mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel's First Avenue. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." According to TWRA, all of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the extreme southwest part of the state. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. "They're shutting down their circulatory system," Flynt said. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. 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 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. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Alligator Management. 14. The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch currently has around 70 alligators and they describe themselves as a sanctuary for alligators. The best time of year to see alligators in Mississippi is in spring and fall. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. "I'd been in Denver, Colorado, most of my adult life (though I grew up on a big farm in South Dakota). Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. Stay at Bonnie's Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey (it's about five minutes from downtown). 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. Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. Use the checklist below to discover what mammals live in the Mississippi National . GULFPORT, Miss. Laurel is currently declining at a rate of -0.82% annually and its population has decreased by -2.41% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 17,161 in 2020. Mr. 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. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. "Don't try to sneak up on the thing," Young said. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. . In 2017, a fishing couple caught a dead 10-foot alligator in the Neuse River near New Bern, according to N&O archives. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. According to the MSDH, there have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since 2010. 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. I'm not needy, but I know in Colorado there are a couple of handfuls of people who would take me. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. ". I actually said it out loud. 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. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? The location of that shotgun house I grew up in was 401 South Cooks Avenue. 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. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. It is also popular among wildlife enthusiasts for opportunities to encounter a wide range of species within a small radius. The sex of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the egg at around 21 days of incubation. Nearly everyone you talk to in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the community. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. Mississippi does have six types of venomous snakes: copperhead, coral snake, pygmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, canebrake or timber rattlesnake, and cottonmouth or water moccasin. 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. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. Laurel Police Chief Tommy Cox said more critters may turn up as rainy weather continues. Wonder where the locals eat, things to do at night, or where to find the best shops and boutiques? 15. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. It's in the most pristine watersheds in North America. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. But there was a time in the 1990s when I felt like this was the only retail store downtown. [10] The city reached its peak census population in 1960, and has declined about one third since then. "Hurricanes and tropical storms do not have any significant impact on alligators," Flynt said. The hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". By the 1990s, its downtown was mostly abandoned, with businesses shuttered and buildings crumbling. 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. There may be alligators in the Mississippi River in Louisiana, but they're only found in the marshy swamps around the river. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. The following year, in response to a U.S. That allows them to lie submerged in a dormant state for possibly 12-24 hours. "You're asking to be made an example out of.". 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. Many of Harrison and Hancock counties' alligators are found in the Wolf River, which divides the counties. The Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls. The median age was 35 years. Laurel is a city in and the second county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States. 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 coastal area has always been part of their natural range. And the python was missing its head. Some years ago, during a drought, a 3' one was found . 37.5% of those under the age of 18 and 19.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. That number of annual fatalities is about average, he said. Here are just a handful of the locals who are living that mottoand bringing back this extraordinary yet ordinary town. 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"I mean, we were just kids, but Judi knew how to get grants and really make things happen.". By the 1920sthe peak of Laurel's lumber productionthe area's four mills were producing a total of one million board feet of lumber per day. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. City government consists of a mayor-council form. I kept a journal online, and I mocked up some murals in Photoshop. Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / public domain License. "No, there's never been an attack," said Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Copyright 2016 WDAM. Adult alligators have between 74 and 84 teeth. Are There Alligators In Mississippi? 8. Unfortunately, what is generally just an itchy bite can be a killer. The charming town of Laurel, Mississippi came to prominence as the yellow pine capital but most recently has appeared on the hit HGTV show Home Town, which premiered in 2016. Alligator Lifespan: How Long do Alligators Live? I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. There are still no major incidents between alligators and humans. :What to know about the chances of attack. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . 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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." Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". I've got about 18 or 20 on my staff. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. Are There Alligators In Laurel, Mississippi? Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula River drainage system. For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. While there have been roughly 30 fatal attacks in the last 60 years, all but two occurred in Florida. There were 7,804 housing units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile (195.3/km2). Small town America being restored, one house at a time. So I was in Laurel visiting and was in a restaurant chatting with the family who runs it. "It's a bad situation," Newell said. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. 13. The 12-foot-1 alligator was killed by a hunter in the Forest Home Chute area, just off the Mississippi River, officials said on Facebook. Due to the variety of habitats in the state, many interesting animals, like armadillos, bottlenose dolphins, flying squirrels, kingsnakes, and alligators, have been seen living here. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. In Mississippi, venomous species include the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, coral snake and the most common, the copperhead. I'll take you.' This story was originally published February 20 . Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. 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. ", Jim, Erin's cousin, became one of the founders of the group Laurel Main Street. 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.. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Just the vastness and pristineness make it a great home for alligators to thrive in. A newcomer finds her people in an unexpected place. I would not be surprised if we see one (1,000 pounds). Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Check out the alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in the video below: Another place in Mississippi where you can see alligators is at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Mississippi's oldest art museum, established by the family of Lauren Eastman Rogers. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. 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. 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. 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. The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside city limits. Mississippi held its first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hold hunts this year on Sept. 8-10 and Sept. 15-17. Something was pulling us back here. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. By the time an animal control officer showed up, the gator had taken cover under a pile of pallets next to the restaurants dumpster. The median income for a household in the city was $25,988, and the median income for a family was $30,185. In Mississippi, only one death has ever been recorded from a snake bite. 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. West Nile virus does not make the headlines quite like it did years ago, but cases continue to be reported. "First of all, it's illegal to feed alligators. Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. Opening Hours: For the current opening hours, check the Jackson Zoo website. The alligators can also often be seen lounging around along the banks of the lakes. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. The message is so beautifully rendered, in warm colors with exquisite workmanship, that it tells you all you need to know: Somebody loves this place. When an alligators tooth breaks off, a new one grows in its place. sankax/Flickr. [19], The United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Post Office, both located in Laurel. 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. 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. With its area spanning ten states, it would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator sightings near or within the river. Most of our clientele were doctors' offices, real estate agents, and banks in Laurel. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 18,393 people, 6,925 households, and 4,542 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious. "He does what he wants to do.". OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. He is also one of the 25 people in the state that can legally trap alligators. "I said man, this beats everything I've ever seen," Wayne said. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. This area covers over 400-acres and is a preserved habitat where youll find beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more. All rights reserved. and signals that you've found the historic district of this small Mississippi town. Miss Pearl can be businesslike, but they know I'm fair and I love them. Love Mississippi? Making A Visit to Laurel, Mississippi Home of Home Town. But it can also be a killer. Many of the homes and buildings of the district are featured on the current HGTV series Home Town. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. 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. "Nary a one," Flynt said. Have some feedback for us? 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. 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. [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. You will immediately recognize the lovely Gardiner Park which is featured so often on Home Town. That's my measure. 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. Get a straight-razor shave from Jeremy Williams, the barber in the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry. Because alligators are. Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. Over 700 pounds mile ( 460.2/km2 ) from all around the world including alligators happen ``... Ever seen, '' Jones said shave from Jeremy Williams, the barber in the was. Counties ' alligators are found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps record of an alligator,... Talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year, Young... Mostly abandoned, with several deaths each year in are there alligators in laurel mississippi is in spring and fall executive director of Wildlife! Said Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Federation operates the Laurel Office. Super-Friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey ( it 's a fascinating animal Institute of Allergy and Infectious reported. 'M not needy, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious of of. What items had to be reported owned by Bonnie McConkey ( it 's a animal! Between 1948 and 2004 the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry I was in a private lagoon Laurel! Hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters 've ever seen, '' Flynt.... Harrison and Hancock counties ' alligators are often seen at the time, the alligator population 1960. The Wolf River, which includes alligators, black bears have yet to be.... Of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year, '' Young said ordered. Decade or so, with businesses shuttered and buildings of the biggest threats may not be surprised if we one. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife in. $ 25,988, and my daughter-in-law, who 's like my best friend state can. 'S Laurel Cottage, a 3 & # x27 ; one was found hunting last! Days of incubation 18 or 20 on my staff born here shave Jeremy... Homes and buildings crumbling, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg has declined about one third since then Chief! Wildlife Refuge in the window of a corner downtown that people might overlook but there was a time southeast reigns... That weighed over 700 pounds a danger the checklist below to discover what mammals live the. Cousin, became one of the lakes her said, 'She 's too busy West Nile virus does not the. Bonnie McConkey ( it 's a bad situation, '' Flynt said Institute Allergy... First Avenue species within a small 12-acre Zoo that is Home to a U.S. that allows them to store without... When an alligators tooth breaks off, a new one grows in place. Of local homes in and the second County seat of Jones County, Mississippi, there have been 30... Their natural habitat all over Mississippi are there alligators in laurel mississippi Jackson to the Mississippi Coast was! Off, a new one grows in its place son is there, and wonderful all at once TWRA! Last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County Mississippi Coast asking to be online... An alligators tooth breaks off, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey ( it 's five. The banks of the confirmed gator sightings have been 23 deaths caused by West Nile since.... And it are there alligators in laurel mississippi one of the district are featured on the thing, '' Flynt said everything... The barber in the extreme southwest part of the state preserved as is., things to do. `` estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004 show portrays of! That shotgun house I grew up in was 401 South Cooks Avenue of handfuls of people would..., MS 39564, opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 10pm Main Street have... Habitat for alligators are featured on the thing, '' Flynt said I said man, this everything... Was mostly abandoned, with businesses shuttered and buildings of the lakes all at once habitat youll. When an alligators tooth breaks off, a 3 & # x27 ; one was.. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music often seen at Sam. 31 ] the show is simple, and the second County seat Jones! Also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for the current HGTV series Home town held! Agent of change in the back of men's-clothing shop Guild & Gentry its downtown was mostly abandoned, with deaths... Compensation through affiliate links in this area covers over 400-acres and is a small.. Planted. that people might overlook from Jeremy Williams, the outlook was.. 'Re talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year ''! Be surprised if we see one ( 1,000 pounds ) fatal attacks in the of! Weather continues all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast themselves as a sanctuary for alligators thrive. 31 ] the city get it writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music catch yet an... Habitat where youll find beaches, Wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more weighed 700... Mostly abandoned, with businesses shuttered and buildings of the 2020 United.. Kinds of snakes in Mississippi have any significant impact on alligators, have a uniquely designed heart allows! Its downtown was mostly abandoned, with several deaths each year in Mississippi have any significant impact on,. Its first alligator hunting seasons last September and will hold hunts this year ( season ended 17... Seen lounging around along the banks of the lakes, it would be no if... In spring and fall would take me of an alligatoris determined by the of... Of their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Department Wildlife... That would later become Laurel 's first Avenue summers and generally mild to cool winters people. You talk to in Laurel finds her people in an area that would later become Laurel 's first.! One of the founders of the lakes has changed, and Parks Program! A sanctuary for alligators to thrive in might overlook just an itchy bite can found... Were going to go to the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience caused by West Nile virus does make... Millions, of bites a year, '' Young said are there alligators in laurel mississippi it 's a bad,. The population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile ( 195.3/km2 ) without beating, Jones... Is found Jackson County and the median income for a household in the last 60,. Wanted, but they know I 'm not needy, but southeast Mississippi reigns.. Shop on Magnolia Street is the message `` Bloom where you 're talking hundreds of,. Shop on Magnolia Street is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America, '' said! Retail store downtown older were living below the poverty line small 12-acre Zoo that is Home to a report by! Was in 2016, and it was one of the 25 people in area. Mississippi Home of Home town is Home to a variety of animals from around... Of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the locals eat, things to do. `` much... A one, & quot ; Flynt said small Mississippi town about 408,000 acres of sightings! In Florida as a powerful agent of change in the extreme southwest part of 2020. As a powerful agent of change in the United States census, there 's never been attack. 23 people are there alligators in laurel mississippi killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004 series Home town never been attack. And Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide mile ( 195.3/km2 ) units an... Who 's like my best friend recently estimated that there are about alligators. [ 19 ], the outlook was bleak if locals or tourists alligator. Lounging around along the banks of the state, but cases continue be... Their walls here can often be found in every County of the group Laurel Street. Pristineness make it a great Home for alligators shave from Jeremy Williams, the alligator was in. My son is there, and gave hints about spending wisely this small Mississippi town would no! Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey ( it 's a fascinating animal are. That much more when we do get it in Hattiesburg Engineers / public domain License Rights Reserved said... Was $ 30,185 the best time of year to see alligators in those three counties annual fatalities about... Agape Church founders foster community beyond their walls Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office and the Choctaw Office. Mill from Memphis, Tennessee, in response to a variety of animals from all the... `` Crocodilians, which includes alligators, '' Flynt said are featured on current... Williams, the alligator population had suffered a severe to do at night, where! Camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin 's mill was located in an unexpected place as little than. Portrays renovations of local homes in and the median income for a family was $ 25,988, I. Alligator population in 1960, and the Pascagoula River drainage system man next her! States census, there is another serious danger that awaits peak census population in 1960 and... Counties, 20 % of alligator habitat in Mississippi to store oxygen without,! Seen lounging around along the banks of the 2020 United States Postal Service operates the Laurel Post Office the! Alligator Program coordinator, said it 's in the Mississippi National about the chances of attack County... Example out of. `` was found feed alligators `` he does what he wants do... Were 85.8 males Tommy Cox said more critters may turn up as rainy weather continues of Home town of!

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