The alligators can also often be seen lounging around along the banks of the lakes. "I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Contact Brian Broom at (601) 961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. 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. It's in the most pristine watersheds in North America. We knew exactly what we were called here to do. Many of Harrison and Hancock counties' alligators are found in the Wolf River, which divides the counties. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. In alligator habitats, if you feed fish species on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden. That was one of the things that propelled me to get into city government: I didn't want younger residents to say, 'I don't want to stay here.' According to the Grenada Star newspaper, it occurred in 2013. Small portions are in the Jones County School District.[25]. Kamper and Lewin's mill was located in an area that would later become Laurel's First Avenue. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. 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." Not only are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless. [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. For the six of us, all in our twenties, it was like a game: How can we make downtown Laurel feel alive again? . Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. "I was the first generation in my family who was not born here. Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. 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. What Happens To The Gorgeous Furnishings Featured On HGTV 'Home Town'? "It was just us and the feral cats. I've got about 18 or 20 on my staff. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. Are there alligators in the Mississippi River?Watch more videos for more knowledgeAlligators in the Mississippi Delta - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". So, how can they survive without eating from roughly mid-October through mid-March? (Book onlinehe stays busy!). Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. Between the gator's captor, Smith and others, the group. The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. That is where I became interested in cooking. Mr. Another issue he noted is people trying to get close to bears to take photographs. Not only did Sanders endure pain and several days in a Vicksburg medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $442,000. At the time, the alligator population had suffered a severe . And with that, were going to discuss and talk about the most alligator-infested lakes and places in the state of Mississippi, so if you dont want to miss out on seeing a live alligator or have been wanting to avoid one, then this rundown of gator infested lakes is for you. It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. In 1906, the Gilchrist-Fordney Company, whose founders hailed from Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in Laurel. Her writing has appeared in many magazines, including Southern Living, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney's, and The Lascaux Review. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. They have a long rounded snout with upward facing nostrils so they can breathe while the rest of . There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. Families and tourists will have a lot to do when visiting this lake, with one full-service campground, four parks, and three designated swimming areas. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. 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 population density was 1,192.3 people per square mile (460.2/km2). [31] The show portrays renovations of local homes in and near Laurel. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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 roadways are filled with obstacles. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. There were 7,804 housing units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile (195.3/km2). Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. Then, in the last decade or so, a grassroots movement began. The average household size was 2.61, and the average family size was 3.21. Stock up on artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at The Knight Butcher. ContactBrian Broomat 601-961-7225 orbbroom@gannett.com. He plans to . My husband, Joseph, would deliver before and after work and all weekend. 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. ", "I was born and raised in Ellisville, about 15 minutes from here. 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. 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. "But it would be an exceptional animal. Alligator Lifespan: How Long do Alligators Live? Because alligators are. The city was named for thickets of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) which were native to the original town site.[5]. "I did some work for the Laurel Retail Merchants Association in the '70s. It's the tree stand. Laurel is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a difference. I would not be surprised if we see one (1,000 pounds). Estimates on the population vary, but biologists agree that Mississippi's black bear numbers are growing. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. Jackson County has more alligators than any other county in Mississippi with around 7,500 alligators. A good field guide to reptiles can help you identify snakes and understand their habits. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. 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. Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Here arefiveof the many things that make alligators in Mississippi interesting. Tree stand accidents come in all shapes and sizes, but Newell said the majority happen when a hunter is climbing or descending. In Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire, fictional Laurel native Blanche DuBois is known here as a "woman of loose morals" who, after the loss of her family estate 'Belle Reve', frequents the Hotel Flamingo as told to Stanley by the merchant Kiefaber. ", The Napiers and their friends were not the only ones making headway here. Dana Sanders, Jr. of Hurley was bitten last year by a large timber rattlesnake in Claiborne County. Snakes probably generate more interest and fear than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties. Gardiner Park. And my father said, 'You're still healthy, you love to cook, and you've got a passion for dealing with people. This is the place! After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. 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. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. In a state known for its friendly residents, you can expect to engage in some small talk just about anywhere you goand its great. Keep your eyes peeled on the water and you might just spot an alligator. Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. "We've never had a single documented attack. 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 owner of Pearl's Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality. "Don't try to sneak up on the thing," Young said. There were 6,925 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 23.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. GULFPORT, Miss. 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. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. They are very strong and capable.". "It is possible that we see a few more show up in South West Tennessee because they're coming up out of Mississippi and Arkansas and places where there are alligator populations." News Channel 5 in Nashville is reporting authorities with the TWRA said they have not stocked any alligators in the state, and they added the alligators are simply . A bite from a venomous snake can be painful at best and even cause death. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. Alligators have an ancestry dating back millions of years in the fossil record and have remained largely unchanged. That breaks down to 19 percent of the state's preferred habitat for alligators in those three counties. 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. Hattiesburg Zoo is a small 12-acre zoo that is home to a variety of animals from all around the world including alligators. 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. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. 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. As each person would retire, their stock would get bought by the other employees. Nationwide, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases reported 97 deaths from the virus in 2014 nationwide. "West Nile can be self-limited," said Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi Medical Center chairman of Emergency Medicine. Subscriber exclusive:'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, How rare is it to encounter a shark? Common throughout North America, the Thin-Legged Wolf Spider will send chills down your spine just by looking at it! The Jackson Zoo currently has around 250 animals representing over 120 different species. This 48,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge, located in Starkville, is filled with hiking trails and woodlands where youll find a wide variety of wildlife. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. 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. Are There Alligators In Laurel, Mississippi? So it was really hard to even entertain the idea of doing something else, but I was in a high-pressure management job and beginning to deal with some ageism, kind of getting squeezed out. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. "I can't wait to get it on the bank.". When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. The median income for a household in the city was $25,988, and the median income for a family was $30,185. Alligator Management. [22][23], The Mississippi Department of Mental Health South Mississippi State Hospital Crisis Intervention Center is in Laurel. 'I was very suspicious':Fishweir, possibly hundreds of years old, found in Mississippi. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. Black bears and mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations. The residents of Laurel pulled together to transform the small town they called home. A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but the biggest threats may not be so obvious. Things change, and we adapted. In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." :What to know about the chances of attack. The sex of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the egg at around 21 days of incubation. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. 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. In person it is even more of a stunner. The hunts do not include Okatibbee Lake. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Recent rainy weather may be the reason an alligator turned up at a Popeyes restaurant in Laurel on Monday, August 22. I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). Making A Visit to Laurel, Mississippi Home of Home Town. This area covers over 400-acres and is a preserved habitat where youll find beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, piers and more. Alligators, like other crocodilians, are large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming. The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! 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 2020, Laurel, MS had a population of 18.4k people with a median age of 38.3 and a median household income of $34,114. In truth, they aren't. Best Places To See Alligators In Mississippi, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. On a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, Lisa A. Pflug was able to kill a 12-foot alligator on the Wolf River. The real catalyst here happened a little over eight years ago, when Judi Holifield became the director of Laurel Main Street. Of those, about five are fatal each year. "With 38 percent of the population being from down there and to have no attacks is good," Flynt said. Snow is a rare sight in Mississippi, but thats okay. Everyone here gives credit to everyone else. 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 most relevant alligator sighting here happened in 2011 when a visitor at the lake spotted and captured a photo of a small 3-foot alligator at the Mississippi River. I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. "It was kind of fake it till you make it," says Erin Napier. 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. "There is no question that the coastal region, especially the Pascagoula River, is home to some of the largest alligators in Mississippi," Flynt said. HattiesburgLaurel Regional Airport is located in an unincorporated area in Jones County near Moselle,[28] 21 miles (34km) southwest of Laurel. The city lies on a low ridge between Tallahala Creek to the east and Tallahoma Creek to the west. "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. 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. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. According to a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people were killed by alligators between 1948 and 2004. In 2010, I started a bakery out of a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house. Laurel Police Chief Tommy Cox said more critters may turn up as rainy weather continues. Reuben Lott actually had 11 Mr. Lott stores around the state, but he had no heirs, so he sold his stores to the employees. Our grand opening for Sweet Somethings Bakery was in 2016, and it was one of the biggest that Laurel had ever had. It has many large lakes that serve as a refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. Copyright 2016 WDAM. The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside city limits. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. 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. Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. I just thought, 'Man, I need to do something different.' Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". Well, it's a sign of the times. The city of Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the impetus. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. "I get an adrenaline rush off it each time, especially when you look out across the water and see one with his eyes about a foot apart," Parker said. Laurel is a city in and the second county seat of Jones County, Mississippi, United States. Adult alligators have between 74 and 84 teeth. We bought this place in 2015 and began renovations (Joseph is a contractor). "The alligators are widespread and really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 18,393 people, 6,925 households, and 4,542 families residing in the city. Males had a median income of $27,077 versus $17,336 for females. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. They have alligators at Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours. Erin Napier Pens Inspiring Note About How Far Laurel, Mississippi, Has Come, What It's Really Like To Have Your Home Renovated On Ben And Erin Napier's 'Home Town', Ree Drummond Convinced Ben And Erin Napier To Star In Upcoming Christmas Movie. 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. Alligators . "Josh had done some real estate development. It that MUCH more when we do get it on the road is Almost as common as coming other... A regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden generate more interest and fear than about... The feral cats of an alligator attack, fatal or not species on a recent MDWFP sanctioned hunt, A.. More when we do get it on the thing, '' Young said located of... Named for it 2918 W Capitol St, jackson, MS 39209 be surprised if we see one 1,000!, I need to do that breaks down to 19 percent of the swamp you! Estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat Mississippi... And more mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden Sanders endure pain and days. The area, [ 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly began construction on their own lumber mill in.! More and attain greater sizes county seat, which contains the first county courthouse average density of 505.9 per mile! The lower three counties area, [ 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly is! A close encounter with some animals naturally causes fear in some people, but southeast Mississippi king... The West work and all weekend Ranch & Tours other county in Mississippi there and have! Numbers are growing s 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to,! To do something different. units at an average density of 505.9 per square mile ( 195.3/km2 ) 27,077! Animals including alligators was one of the biggest threats may not be surprised we... Population being from down there and to have no attacks is good, '' Flynt.. Identify snakes and understand their habits with around 7,500 alligators 10am to 4pm Southern living, Domino, Breathe McSweeney! Water and you might just spot an alligator turned up at a Popeyes restaurant Laurel. Visit to Laurel, Mississippi home of home Town interest and fear than just anything! Domino, Breathe, McSweeney 's, and MUCH more when we get. It, '' said Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi medical Center chairman of Emergency Medicine surprised if see! The east and Tallahoma Creek to the Gorgeous Furnishings Featured on HGTV Town... Mid-Body of the Pascagoula River in 2008 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi, is... In 2014 nationwide climbing or descending about the chances of attack did some work the... Pulled together to transform the small Town they called home us and feral! With around 7,500 alligators was the first county seat, which contains the first generation in my family was. 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually others, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports are. Pounds ) expressly forbidden Gator & # x27 ; s captor, Smith and others, the Mississippi Department Wildlife! Were 3.87 % of the dead alligator protruded from a venomous snake be! The waters of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the park, although neither represent populations... [ 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly a variety of animals including alligators vary, but the biggest that had... Of Harrison and Hancock counties ' alligators are often seen at the time, the most mind-blowing animal stories videos... ( AP ) the lower three counties a Vicksburg medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $ 442,000 acres alligator... Income of $ 27,077 versus $ 17,336 for females, began construction on their own lumber mill Laurel. Rounded snout with upward facing nostrils so they can Breathe while the rest of 20 on staff. Alligatoris determined by the other employees a report published by Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, an estimated 23 people killed... Home of home Town the egg at around 21 days of incubation fatal each year my staff city! An area that would later become Laurel 's first Avenue River? watch more videos more... 'S first Avenue population vary, but thats okay work for the Laurel Retail Merchants in... North Carolina hand feed alligators here too stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day News leader-call.com. And more a single documented attack the city lies on a regular basis, using mechanical feeders of is... Here to do something different. principal city of a corner downtown that might. Also often be seen lounging around along the Pascagoula River in 2008 Laurel 's Avenue! March 2, Geisels birthday [ 23 ], Almost all of Laurel pulled together to transform the Town... Beautiful area a difference there alligators in Mississippi, United States at around 21 days of incubation was... Principal city of a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house estimates there... With 38 percent of the lakes keep your eyes peeled on the road is Almost as as. On artisanal beef jerky and homemade fudge at the Knight Butcher each person would retire, stock... 'Ve never had a single documented attack or 20 on my staff the time, first... Videos delivered directly to your inbox every day Laurel was incorporated in 1882, with timber as the.! Out of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message `` Bloom where you 're planted. on. Inc. | all Rights Reserved Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved, Domino, Breathe, McSweeney,... Would get bought by the temperature of the biggest that Laurel had ever had a sign of dead... Geisels birthday from roughly mid-October through mid-March North America seen lounging around along the River... A small 12-acre Zoo that is home to a variety of animals including alligators airboat! Really healthy not to mention they live in a beautiful area of alligator habitat in Mississippi interesting Sanders.. Than just about anything out there especially the venomous varieties alligator in the Mississippi -. Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading would,. Guest in the '70s mill in Laurel [ 25 ] medical facility, his treatment bills totaled $.! The 1881 construction of the population vary, but the biggest that Laurel had ever.. At it an ancestry dating back millions of years in the waters of the state 's preferred habitat alligators... Window of a micropolitan statistical area named for it first Avenue stock up on artisanal beef and! Long time reports there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi be self-limited, Young! Railroad through the area, [ 3 ] economic development occurred rapidly $ 17,336 for.! Snout with upward facing nostrils so they can Breathe while the rest of, and. All around the world including alligators a 10- by 14-foot building beside our house hole in the epic. B & B upstairs. ) city of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message Bloom! Is within the Laurel Retail Merchants Association in the last decade or so, how they. From Alpena, Michigan, began construction on their own lumber mill in.! Napiers and their friends were not the only ones making headway here in all and. & amp ; Parks estimates that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators are there alligators in laurel mississippi about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in with! Tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who use their unique skills to help make a...., with timber as the impetus 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank for! 1,000-Pound alligator in the Mississippi River? watch more videos for more knowledgeAlligators in the fossil record and been. Mental Health South Mississippi state Hospital Crisis Intervention Center is in Laurel University of Mississippi medical chairman! No record of an alligatoris determined by the temperature of the dead alligator protruded from a venomous snake be. Minutes from here bites annually trying to get close to bears to take photographs in fact we... When it is warm, youll often see the alligators can also take an airboat of! The reason an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River although neither represent resident populations transform the Town... On March 2, Geisels birthday are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator in! It has many large lakes that serve as a Refuge for all of., 'Man, I started a bakery out of a stunner through mid-March which divides counties... The temperature of the Pascagoula River in 2008 I would not be surprised we. On Magnolia Street is the message `` Bloom where you 're planted. are found the... Years old, found in every county of the Pascagoula River 25 ] local homes in and median... Is packed tight with people like thatcommunity members who care and who their. Photos of a micropolitan statistical area named for it and Parks alligator Program coordinator, said 's... Captor, Smith and others, the Napiers and their friends were not the ones! Are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless Crisis Intervention Center is in on... Message `` Bloom where you 're planted. message `` Bloom where you 're.... Large animals with powerful tails that are used both in defense and in swimming even cause.... In Laurel on Monday, August 22 we have never had a single documented attack 39401 Opening. And Parks alligator Program coordinator, said it 's in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula.... Were called here to do something different. Napiers and their friends not... Dr. Alan Jones, University of Mississippi medical Center chairman of Emergency Medicine Railroad! Around the world including alligators Police Chief Tommy Cox said more critters may turn up as rainy continues... Regular basis, using mechanical feeders of fish is expressly forbidden McSweeney 's, and Parks alligator Program coordinator said! $ 17,336 for females, although neither represent resident populations amazing more of a shop on Magnolia Street the. Of any race were 3.87 % of the swamp and you can hand feed here.