These 5 Out-Of-Place Creatures Have Been Spotted In Mississippi And You’ll Want To Steer Clear

Just the name of this creature is enough to send chills down your spine! And don’t let its size fool you; the scorpion measures just 2", but can deliver a painful sting with its tail. Though most common in Lauderdale and Tishomingo Counties, they also inhabit Warren and Wilkinson Counties and may exist in the surrounding counties as well.

Panthers haven’t been common in Mississippi for over 100 years, yet sightings still occur from time to time. "Over the last 30 years, I've had hundreds of calls about panthers," said Richard Rummel, Exotic Species Program Director for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. However, Rummel said most sightings don’t pan out. But since populations of panthers exist in Texas and Florida – and the cats are known to roam long distances – the concept of panthers in Mississippi is a realistic one.

These enormous sea creatures are most often associated with Florida, but they do make an appearance in the Magnolia State from time to time. According to the director of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, "Summer is usually when you see them." And though they’re generally not a threat to humans, they’re sheer size is a bit intimidating - manatees can grow up to 13’ in length and weigh up to 2,600 pounds!

A notorious predator, the great white shark is probably one of the most feared animals on Earth. And while these sharks mostly reside in deeper, cooler waters, they occasionally pass through the Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, when the temperature in the gulf drops to 60 degrees or lower, great whites can move into coastal waters. The good news is that they usually stay about 20 miles or more offshore.

Think black bears don’t exist in the Magnolia State? Think again. The population size varies between sources; however, biologists agree that the number is on the upswing. Luckily, there’s never been an attack in Mississippi. According to Brad Young, executive director of Mississippi Wildlife Federation, "low numbers" is the main reason the bears aren’t a major threat in the state. Obviously, with so few black bears in Mississippi, the chance of encountering one isn’t very likely. But, if you do spot one, Young warns, "Don't try to sneak up on the thing. You're asking to be made an example out of."