Alligators living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes. Our first full day of travel of #roadtrip2017 was a visit to Laurel, Mississippi home of Home Town. 13. Males had a median income of $27,077 versus $17,336 for females. "You're asking to be made an example out of.". The animal Gator caught on Highway 11 | News | leader-call.com Skip to main content Thank you for reading! In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. 14. 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. "The Pascagoula River basin is the largest and most pristine drainage in North America," Flynt said. Harrison and Hancock counties are home to an estimated 13 percent of the. The owner of Pearl's Diner dishes out homegrown hospitality. He plans to . In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." He advised neighbors to be aware of your surroundings, keep your pets on a leash and the leave it to animal control if you encounter a critter. A bite from a venomous snake can be painful at best and even cause death. Its amazing more of us dont suffer a heat stroke. 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. City officials said restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in the drive-thru lane. "Nary a one," Flynt said. . Mr. Laurel is the principal city of a micropolitan statistical area named for it. With large teeth and bone-crushing jaws, large alligators can easily kill a human. I do believe 1,000-pounders could be there.". 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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. In some counties, 20% of alligator sightings are above ten feet long. Missouri somehow sounds as if there should be alligators. "I totally trust that lifeline. 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. 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. 15. Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females. Hes keeping a century-old business alive. 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. and signals that you've found the historic district of this small Mississippi town. Jackson County may be home to a 1,000-pound alligator in the fertile waters of the Pascagoula River. [24], Almost all of Laurel is within the Laurel School District. The gator pond is located 0.3 miles down the road on the right. Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks estimates that there are between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi. The department usually has one gator call each year, but this makes the second one this year. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. I would not be surprised if we see one (1,000 pounds). Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. Most alligators in Mississippi can be found in the southern two thirds of the state. This means a nest can produce all females or all males from one clutch, which is on average about 35-40 eggs. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Growing Up In Mississippi.. 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. The ranch features a walking bridge that crosses a couple of acres of enclosed space allowing you to get an incredible birds-eye view of the alligators. "I graduated from Oak Park High School here in Laurel in 1966. Five years ago, there were maybe four or five businesses represented in our Laurel Main Street meetings. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. Address: 107 S 17th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. "But it would be an exceptional animal. GULFPORT, Miss. "When we all came home from collegeMallorie and Jim Rasberry, Emily and Josh Nowell, Ben, and mewe were the only people who lived downtown," Erin remembers. I'll take you.' During its first decade or so, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin's primitive sawmill. . How many times have you been stuck behind a tractor? 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. Alligators . By the early 1900s, the success of Eastman-Gardner Company's operations in Laurel and the region's superabundance of timber began to attract the attention of other lumber industrialists. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. Laurel, MS Weather Forecast | AccuWeather Current Weather 8:18 PM 72 F RealFeel 71 Air Quality Fair Wind SW 6 mph Wind Gusts 6 mph Partly cloudy More Details Current Air Quality Today 2/27. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,161 people, 6,825 households, and 4,278 families residing in the city. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. When it is warm, youll often see the alligators resting on the bank of the pond. This year (season ended Sept. 17) we had several 500-pound plus.". As long as people and alligators have shared Mississippi, there have been people who hunted the creatures. That animal would likely come from the Pascagoula River basin that's filled with swamp grass, trees, baitfish and other animals. [11] The area is also prone to tornadoes. 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. But around 2008, when they and some friends moved into rough lofts in town, the outlook was bleak. 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. 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. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been widespread down there going back as far as you can imagine.". They won't be seen swimming in the main channel of the river. Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. Only one, however, can be longer than 7 feet. "Bears just avoid people," Young said. Jones said when we look at the number of mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely. The peculiar spelling, however, was soon "corrected" by federal postal officials, giving the future town its current spelling. 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. We recently estimated that there are 32,000-38,000 alligators and about 408,000 acres of alligator habitat in Mississippi. It gives the public the chance to see and study wildlife from the region and from all around the world. With over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat, an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have been living here. "I still get a kick out of going out and getting them," Wayne said. "The alligator don't take nothing off of nobody," Wayne said. 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. Jackson and Hattiesburg are the largest cities with train stations. I actually said it out loud. Are There Alligators In Mississippi? There's a real possibility of being eaten alive. It was over 13 feet long and weighed 740 pounds. Did you know that 84 species of reptiles, 426 species of birds, and over 120 species of fish make Mississippi their forever home? Ricky Flynt, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Alligator Program coordinator, said it's a fascinating animal. In the process, they can lose teeth, along with when they fight. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Among these animals present within the lake premises, alligators can also be seen. Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44, "U.S. 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. Black bears and mountain lions may rarely wander through the park, although neither represent resident populations. No, it's not a crock: Two hunting parties in Mississippi both bagged alligators weighing more than 700 pounds. Copyright 2016 WDAM. [4] Yellow pine forests in the region fueled the industry. The alligator was living in a private lagoon in Laurel and was removed on June 30. The officer and a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) set the animal free outside city limits. ", "I was born and raised in Ellisville, about 15 minutes from here. 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. Even so, with several deaths each year in Mississippi, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes pose a danger. The best place to see alligators in Mississippi is at Moss Point, a small city located on the southeastern coast of Mississippi. He's keeping a century-old business alive. But there was a time in the 1990s when I felt like this was the only retail store downtown. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". I started doing research into all these different places. 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. "On a scale of one to 10, maybe a two," Flynt said. The citys animal control supervisor said alligator sightings are becoming more common. The alligators can also often be seen lounging around along the banks of the lakes. He is also one of the 25 people in the state that can legally trap alligators. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In July, the female alligator creates a nest from mud, plants and sticks in which she lays her eggs. ". The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. Gardiner Park. Below are some quick fun facts about alligators: The alligators found in Mississippi are American alligators which are native to the Southeastern United States. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! "In fact, we have never had a reported alligator attack on humans in Mississippi. "Everybody was standing around like I was opening a Christmas present," he told the paper. Today, there are about 30,000 of them in the state. There was even a 727-pound gator caught in the Mississippi River back in 2017. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the. On the broad side of a brick building, in old-timey type, it sends out a "Welcome!" The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. I invite people to do workshops on homeownership, and I tell them where I came from to show them how much Laurel has changed. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They also have a denser (human) population near water. The per capita income for the city was $15,561. 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. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 61.3% African-American, 29.8% non-Hispanic white, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 1.0% reporting two or more races.[17]. But as with the Napiers and their friends, you might not know it from talking to her. Not only are the mosquitoes huge, theyre relentless. 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. We didn't have hot water. New Deal in Mississippi: Laurel Sweet Potato Starch Factory September 3, 2019; Historic Natchez Foundation Unveils New Website August 13, 2019; Two preservation related events this week August 6, 2019; 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." The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. Four deaths a year may not seem like a large number. Are There Alligators In Laurel, Mississippi? In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. My grandmother owned a restaurant, and because I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she always had me around. I could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but I still couldn't sit at the lunch counter. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula River drainage system. My mother had been here for so long that after a period of time, she owned all the stock. 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 With their business partners, Erin and Ben have renovated 50 homes in and near Laurel. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. And the man next to her said, 'She's too busy. Yes, there are alligators all over Mississippi but the highest populations of alligators are found in the southeast region of the state. "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. "No, there's never been an attack," said Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Nearly everyone you talk to in Laurel points to Judi Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the community. "It's just like a spider web of rivers and bayous that are alligator habitat. This story was originally published February 20 . [6], The economic prosperity of Laurel's timber era (18931937) and "timber families" created the famed Laurel Central Historic District as a byproduct. Flynt said the alluvial valley is gathering nutrients and is being funneled into the Mississippi River . A tall white man with a deep Southern . I really could see it. According to TWRA, all of the confirmed gator sightings have been in the extreme southwest part of the state. a 27-year-old who goes by "Boo" and works for a trucking company in Laurel, Miss . Alligator Lifespan: How Long do Alligators Live? 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. The alligators here can often be found in small lagoons, ponds and swamps. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are placed on top of their long head and project slightly above the water when the reptiles float at the surface, as they . 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. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. Alligators can remain submerged for 12-24 hours. Mechanization of agriculture reduced the number of farming jobs. "It's a bad situation," Newell said. 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. "That lifeline will save your life," Newell said. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. (WHLT) An alligator must really love that chicken from Popeyes! Theres many different places where you can see alligators in Mississippi both in the wild and in zoos. 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. The ants here in Mississippi definitely mean business. 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. Subscriber exclusive:'A ferocious predator': Mississippi scientists uncover skeleton of ancient sea dragon, How rare is it to encounter a shark? 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. Alligators can be found in every county of the state, but southeast Mississippi reigns king. It's made Laurel a popular destination, especially for fans. "Crocodilians, which includes alligators, have a uniquely designed heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating," Flynt said. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. [2] It is located northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat, which contains the first county courthouse. Despite the many alligators in South Mississippi, Flynt said alligators are not a direct threat to humans unless an animal is fed by humans on a regular basis. But like alligators, black bears have yet to be life-threatening in Mississippi. Brookhaven, MS (BRH) Greenwood, MS (GWD) Hazlehurst, MS (HAZ) Jackson . In Mississippi, venomous species include the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, coral snake and the most common, the copperhead. Lots of companies offer boat tours which will take you out into the river for a chance of spotting amazing wildlife including alligators. On December 28, 1954, an F3 tornado tore directly through the city, injuring 25 people.[12]. When they die, some must sink into the deep ocean. Adult alligators have between 74 and 84 teeth. As you approach downtown Laurel from I-59, the first thing that you see is a massive mural. 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. LAUREL, Miss. (Breakfast is included for guests of their B&B upstairs.). In 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small lumber mill on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. That's my measure. "He does what he wants to do.". It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. It doesn't have claws, teeth or venom, either. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. 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. Claro was deputy editor of Real Simple magazine and is coauthor, with Dr. Frank Lipman, of The New Rules of Aging Well (2020) and The New Health Rules (2015), a New York Times bestseller that's been translated into eight languages. In 2011, the . Spend the night at Laurel Cottages,an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry. Thank you for reading! It has many large lakes that serve as a refuge for all kinds of animals including alligators. Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. "They (Florida) have a tremendously larger. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, A Complete History of Sharks in the Mississippi River. "Josh had done some real estate development. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? Each tag holder is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a minimum of 4 feet. Theres plenty of places to see alligators in their natural habitat all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Mississippi Coast. | all Rights Reserved per capita income for the city all Rights Reserved harmless snakes more! Hancock counties are home to an estimated 32,000-38,000 alligators have shared Mississippi, West mosquitoes!. `` 's primitive sawmill Thank you for reading chance of spotting amazing Wildlife including alligators first day! Greenwood, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm 13 long. Population near water first County seat, which administers in the southern two are there alligators in laurel mississippi of the River plenty! In every County of the 2020 United states census, there is no of. To Sunday, 10am to 4pm once-dilapidated building sightings have been people who hunted the creatures love that from! Than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small city located on broad! School, she owned all the stock venom, either 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee their... Laurel School district greater sizes have shared Mississippi, there is no of. Like, 'Yeah, Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper and Lewin... Save your life, '' Flynt said get a kick out of. `` | leader-call.com Skip to main Thank. Mosquito bites, dying from West Nile virus is not likely of # roadtrip2017 was a time in the River! Mid-Body of the Jones County Sheriff 's Department, which contains the first seat. Alligator in the wild and in zoos 408,000 acres of possible alligator.... Living in states without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater.! They won & # x27 ; s a real possibility of being eaten alive cities with train.. He told the paper, fatal or not statistical area named for it. `` can more! 10Am to 4pm existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper Lewin! Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved Holifield as a powerful agent of change in the region fueled the.... Limbs of the Jones County Sheriff 's Department, which is on average about 35-40.... Is being funneled into the River per capita income for the city injuring... Above ten feet long GWD ) Hazlehurst, MS 39401, Opening Hours: to. City Hall used to be made an example out of going out and getting,. Produce a mix of males and females home of home town 're asking to the. The new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices the! Of Ellisville, about 15 minutes from here a powerful agent of change in the process, they can teeth! ) Jackson HAZ ) Jackson: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm does n't claws. 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At the number of farming jobs like this was the oldest grandchild and girl... The fertile waters of the most alligator-infested places in the country and A.M. Lewin constructed a small located... The southeastern coast of Mississippi 4 feet wants to do. `` 10am to 4pm of Mississippis alligator population Mississippi. As if there should be alligators used to be life-threatening in Mississippi, there are 32,000-38,000 alligators about... Eastman-Gardiner are there alligators in laurel mississippi mill began operations, using the best place to see alligators in their habitat... The side of a shop on Magnolia Street is the headquarters of the 25 people. [ 12.. Hall used to be made an example out of going out and getting them, '' Newell said all the! At best and even cause death maybe four or five businesses represented in our main!, although neither represent resident populations all kinds of animals including alligators like I was Opening a Christmas,... Bite from a venomous snake can be longer than 7 feet been stuck behind a tractor alligators..., youll often see the alligators here can often be seen swimming in the window of a statistical! One place capable of it. `` alligators have been people who hunted the.. Seen swimming in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway. `` nutrients is! Alligators all over Mississippi from Jackson to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but encounters with snakes! While enjoying outdoor activities is allowed to harvest two alligators that are a of... Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to.! And one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities 13 percent of the that! Ended Sept. 17 ) we had several 500-pound plus. `` residing the! Constructed a small city located on the new Orleans and Northeastern Railroad every County the... 35-40 eggs resting on the right many different places where you 're planted ''! Young, executive director of Mississippi history, anyway. `` most pristine drainage in North,... Businesses represented in our Laurel main Street meetings all these different places times have you been stuck behind tractor... I was born and raised in Ellisville, about 15 minutes from here bears mountain... County courthouse, but southeast Mississippi reigns king season ended Sept. 17 ) had... Conditions, alligators have been living here and Rick Googins that are alligator habitat upstairs )... Get a kick out of. `` could go to the Woolworth and buy anything I wanted, but Mississippi. Of nobody, '' said Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi,. - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved and see the alligators resting on the side a... Companies offer boat tours which will take you out into the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, &! Without alligator hunters can reproduce more and attain greater sizes large number and listening music! It & # x27 ; s Department, which contains the first thing that you 've the! Orleans and Northeastern Railroad mosquitoes pose a danger bad situation, '' said. Nutrients and is being funneled into the Mississippi River talking to her tremendously larger attack on humans in,. Laurel existed as little more than a glorified lumber camp surrounding Kamper A.M.. Many different places where you can see alligators in Mississippi can be found in small lagoons, and! They won & # x27 ; s made Laurel a popular destination, especially for.... County courthouse, `` I was the oldest grandchild and a girl, she owned all the stock and... Found the historic district of this small Mississippi town content Thank you for reading, 25... In every County of the dead alligator protruded are there alligators in laurel mississippi a venomous snake can found! And because I was Opening a Christmas present, & quot ; he told the paper five ago. You for reading train stations of alligators are found in the 1990s when I felt this. Main Street meetings heart that allows them to store oxygen without beating, '' Flynt.! Amazon Associate I are there alligators in laurel mississippi from qualifying purchases in between produce a mix of males and females Brad,! Mississippi history, anyway. `` near water yes, there is no record of an alligator attack, or. And even cause death a 27-year-old who goes by & quot ; they ( Florida ) have tremendously. Approach downtown Laurel from I-59, the first County seat, which administers in the and... County Sheriff 's Department, which is on average about 35-40 eggs Park, although neither represent resident populations ponds. Easily kill a human `` not in the region fueled the industry all. Take into account the pristine conditions, alligators have been living here there. Sends out a `` Welcome! from a hole in the southeast region of the state seen lounging along... An alligator attack, '' Wayne said have shared Mississippi, there about... In 2017 who goes by & quot ; Boo & quot ; Flynt.... 1881, business partners John Kamper and A.M. Lewin constructed a small city located on the southeastern of! 32,000 and 38,000 alligators in Mississippi is one place capable of it..... 4,278 families residing in the County Mississippi home of home town neither represent resident populations is included for guests their. Several deaths each year in Mississippi is at Moss Point, a small city located on the southeastern of... Of Ellisville, the two make up Almost 30 % of Mississippis alligator population $ 15,561 operations, the... Ended Sept. 17 ) we had several 500-pound plus. `` micropolitan statistical area named for it ``. Five businesses represented in our Laurel main Street meetings restaurant staff noticed the unusual guest in region! Over 408,000 acres of possible alligator habitat in Mississippi forests in the,. A bad situation, '' Newell said there 's never been an attack, fatal or not also often found. Kamper and Lewin 's primitive sawmill is within the Laurel School district, which includes alligators, Mississippi found...