06/27/2026
Did You Know, Wildlife Is on the Move in Gautier!
One of the many things that makes Gautier special is that we truly are Nature's Playground. We are blessed to live alongside an incredible variety of wildlife, and we'd love to see it through your eyes!
If you safely capture photos or videos of wildlife in Gautier, please feel free to share them in the comments below. We would love to see your wildlife encounters from around our beautiful community.
With the recent heavy rainfall and elevated water levels, we are seeing more reports of wildlife in and around our neighborhoods, parks, roadways, and other developed areas. This includes alligators, black bears, and our beautiful Mississippi Sandhill Cranes, which may be temporarily be displaced from their natural habitats.
Please help keep both your family and our wildlife safe by following these simple reminders:
• Keep a close eye on small children when they are playing outdoors.
• Keep pets on a leash or under your direct supervision.
• Do not approach, feed, or attempt to handle wildlife.
• Secure garbage cans, pet food, bird seed, and other items that may attract wildlife.
• Give wildlife plenty of space and allow it to move through the area naturally.
• Slow down while driving, especially near wooded areas, waterways, and during dawn and dusk.
As a reminder, the City of Gautier Animal Control Ordinance requires pet owners to keep animals properly restrained and under control, prohibits animals from running at large, and requires owners to promptly remove pet waste from public and private property. Responsible pet ownership helps protect your pets, our neighbors, and our local wildlife.
If you encounter wildlife that poses an immediate threat to public safety, call 911. For non-emergency wildlife concerns, please contact the Gautier Police Department at 228-497-2486. The Police Department can assess the situation and, if necessary, coordinate with or refer you to the appropriate state or federal agency listed in the attachment.
We are fortunate to live in a community surrounded by incredible natural resources and wildlife. By respecting these animals and taking a few simple precautions, we can help ensure the safety of both our residents and the wildlife that makes Gautier such a special place to call home.
Please help us by sharing this post so more of our neighbors can stay informed and safe. Together, we can continue protecting both our community and the wildlife that makes Gautier such a unique place to live, work, and play.
Stay safe,
Mayor Casey Vaughan
