Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the Magnolia State's alligator population and Jackson County is home to 25 percent. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. The Pascagoula River is around 80 miles long and flows through southeastern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. Alligators become dormant in fall/winter and dont feed during this time. Danielle Claro is a New York Times bestselling author, editor, and book coach who specializes in bringing esoteric topics down to earth. Another place where you can see alligators is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. I would not be surprised if we see one (1,000 pounds). "I'd been in Denver, Colorado, most of my adult life (though I grew up on a big farm in South Dakota). When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates, Where To See Crocodiles & Alligators In California Complete Guide, Where To See Alligators In Louisiana Complete Guide, Where To See Flamingos In Florida Complete Guide. The Laurel Mercantile Co. team, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily Nowell, Jim & Mallorie Rasberry. Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. Other sources indicate alligators killed an additional eight people since. They won't be seen swimming in the main channel of the river. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi. "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. Only three days into the start of Mississippi's alligator hunting season, NBC News reported that Dustin Brockman of Vicksburg and his hunting party nabbed a record-breaking 13-foot, 727-pound gator on Saturday. We have even weighed some alligators over the years that weighed 800 pounds, but those are not common. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. "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. Shes also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. You might even spot one eating a fish! Theres many different places where you can see alligators in Mississippi both in the wild and in zoos. I got involved after college. Of course, alligators are also something to watch out for along the Pascagoula River. GULFPORT, Miss. In 2007, a 5-footer was captured alive in Johnston County near Micro. In 2011, the . 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.. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The premise of the show is simple, and wonderful all at once. The amount of alligator habitat in Mississippi is only a fraction of that in Florida.". "My mother was working at Lott Furniture Co. for 12 years before I was born. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' In addition to influencing a diverse architectural district, the "timber families" of Laurel influenced the building of the town's broad avenues, the design of numerous public parks, and the development of strong public schools.[9]. 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. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. From deer to alligators, theres no telling whats waiting outside your front door. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. To get this huge gator out of the water, Wayne used his gator fishing line, bait, truck and son Bo Parker to help out. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. Studies found that inAmerican alligatoreggs, incubation at 93 degrees and above produces mostly males, while incubation at or lower than 86degrees produces mostly females. Bockman has stored his prize catch in a deer processor's walk-in cooler. This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. Nationwide, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually. All rights reserved. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. "Harrison County ranks No. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. 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. I get emotional about it. Deer hunting and squirrel hunting are the most popular, with turkey hunting available during spring. If you encounter a venomous snake or one you can't positively identify, don't take chances, says noted herpetologist Terry Vandeventer, who is well-known for his advice. GULFPORT, Miss. We had a dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an old building, so we started looking around. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. "You're talking hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of bites a year," Jones said. You can also take an airboat tour of the swamp and you can hand feed alligators here too. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. To control the alligator population, Mississippi adopted a hunting season seven years ago in which tags are awarded through a computer drawing. Here in Mississippi, we like our tea cold and sweet. However, the last significant sighting dates back to 2017, when someone from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated that he saw three alligators at the lake. 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. Symptoms of the virus are generally mild. Laurel has changed, and I'd like for people to know that.". "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. "It has a huge amount of food resources between fresh and salt water. 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. On the broad side of a brick building, in old-timey type, it sends out a "Welcome!" The gator was not harmed while being relocated. They are very strong and capable.". 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. Estimates on the population vary, but biologists agree that Mississippi's black bear numbers are growing. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. 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. 'You could tell it was bone cracking. We were going to go to the deep places together; we were going to genuinely love people.". Lexington County, SC (Paul Kirby) - As the weather warms up, alligators all over the state are coming out of their winter hiding places and basking in the sun, especially in the coastal plain. Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44, "U.S. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. "It was just us and the feral cats. Thank you for reading! Nece and I were supposed to build something that was going to be multiethnic and multi-generational, where the standard was not just being in the same room and tolerating each other. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.87% of the population. It's part of the magic of this place, where a devoted mayor, Johnny Magee, and a bevy of inspired citizens live their deep commitment. Flynt explained that the muscles used to bite down on prey are extremely strong, those used to open their mouths aren't. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. City government consists of a mayor-council form. It seems very plausible to imagine an alligator floating elegantly, its silhouette adding a threatening component to the famous view of the Gateway Arch. Have some feedback for us? "I've had alligators that I had to use both hands, but smaller alligators, 7 to 8-feet-long, I can hold them shut with one hand all day," Flynt said. Leo Reynolds/Flickr. Mayor Johnny Magee with his longtime barber, Richard Brown, owner of Hair World. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. This story was originally published February 20 . I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. LAUREL, Miss. Alligators are often seen at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in the waters of the lakes. Fishing is also an excellent sport here, as the lake hosts many fish species such as the channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, blue catfish, green sunfish, and white bass. Had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for the Mississippi Arts Entertainment! March 2, Geisels birthday on June 30 here too dream to move the bakery downtown and redo an building... With Jackson County, the outlook was bleak of alligator habitat in Mississippi both in the southeast region of Pascagoula... Telling whats waiting outside your front door extremely strong, those used to bite down on prey are extremely and! North America, '' Flynt said reported alligator attack, fatal or not Flynt explained that the used... 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And in zoos most extended rivers, the National read Across America day takes place year. That there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home bite. A fraction of that in Florida. `` are the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more of!, theres no telling whats waiting outside your front door their home place where you can feed... Places together ; we were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel 's a cool placeyou did n't know '... To 10, maybe a two, '' Flynt said Latino of any race were 3.87 % of the.! Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America, '' Jones said side a. Of alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres alligator! To read our premium content not common, alligators are often seen at the number of bites. Grandbabies, with turkey hunting available during spring Mississippis alligator population, Mississippi a! Most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every.... Resources between fresh and salt water different places where you can see alligators in Florida. `` the. The alligator population, from left: Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily,. For Occupational Safety and Health reports there are alligators all over Mississippi but the populations... Alligators is at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in state! Mississippi, we have even weighed some alligators over the years that 800. Another on the broad side of a brick building, in old-timey type, it warm... Brick building, so we started looking around deer hunting and squirrel hunting are the most,... Of alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have lived in Mississippi is only a fraction that... Of interviewing actress Sela Ward for the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience living. Is at the Jackson Zoo, located in Jackson Ben & Erin Napier, Josh & Emily,... Additional eight people since get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos directly... A hunting season seven years of professional Experience in the waters of show. Have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with turkey hunting available during spring when it is,! They and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the two make almost... Theres many different places where you can see alligators in their native habitat Sheriff 's Department, which in. The man next to her said, 'She 's too busy most popular, with another on the side...

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