The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. MLS# 3927733. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. People are advised that if the alligator is presenting a threat, in North Carolina, call N.C. Wildlife at 919-707-0010, in South Carolina, call 800-922-5431. About 60% of the 1,200 miles of shoreline are in SC, the other 40% in NC. His tongue lolled out, and his wide, square jaw was open as if he was grinning ear to ear. 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. LOS ANGELES Kilo, a muscular gray pit bull, stood staunchly by his homeless owner in the middle of 6th Street on L.A.'s skid row. If the alligator is presenting a threat to humans, in North Carolina, call N.C. Wildlife at 919-707-0010; in South Carolina, call 800-922-5431. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. 2. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? The license was issued on March 1, 2006 and expires on October 31, 2015. Anglers can catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish at Lake Wylie. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. People are advised . He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. Never seen an alligator in the Catawba River, but the local media has reported alligator . DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. It could've been released. No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. Wildlife officials believe those animals are likely exotic pets abandoned by their owners, despite alligators living naturally in other parts of North and South Carolina. They are also a good choice for experienced anglers because they are usually well-behaved and can provide a lot of sport. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. We started this blog as a place to go to when we had questions about buying our first home on the lake. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. Medford said alligator bites are rare, and typically the concern is protecting small pets. "I mean this is a beautiful lake and we can't even enjoy it. The weekends are even more popular. ROCK HILL, SC (WBTV) - Three alligators have been spotted swiming in Lake Wylie and it has people who spend time there concerned for their safety. He says that the catfish are biting at Lake Wylie and that the best spots for catching them are near the dam, in the creeks, and around structures. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. The Catawba had legends of giant leechlike creatures that lived in the river. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. There is also fishing. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. You can buy your fishing license online now. This website participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. Lake Wylie sits on a peninsula that runs along the edge of Lake Wylie, a reservoir named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie in 1960. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. As it turns out, the white inhabitants of the Catawba River Valley had their own beliefs that some mysterious creature was swimming in the Catawba. Although they are not as popular as other fish, they can provide a tasty meal. On Sunday, their five heaviest bass weighed more than 20 pounds, which is good for this lake., Seeing the gator, he said, just summed up a great day.. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. There are peddle boat rentals on Legg Lake. South Carolina resident Jessica Plate posted a photograph to social media site Nextdoor recently that has some speculating about a monster in Lake Wylie. In the past, he said, 6- to 8-foot gators have been sighted in Lake Wylie and other bodies of water where alligators dont normally live. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. To report your own encounter with the impossible, reach out to us directly at the Singular Fortean Society through our contact page. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. "I know this picture. We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!, The photo was taken around 7:15 p.m. Saturday, and the thing appeared at first to be swimming toward her, then turned away, she wrote. Heres the list. Most relevant sightings happened between 2016 and 2018, as 700-pound and almost 1,000-pound alligators were caught, ranging from 12-15 feet each. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. I also heard the lake is not very clean. Orella. At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!. The two returned to the spot todayin preparation for a tournament this weekend. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. In 2000, officers found a gator in the Crowders Creek area of Wylie and in 1999, Catawba Nuclear Station employees spotted a 5- to 7-foot alligator lurking in a nearby lagoon. Lake Wylie is about 30 miles east of Charlotte and 20 miles north of Rock Hill. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention York County coronavirus unemployment versus the Great Recession? Harnett County deputy involved in 2-vehicle crash that left 2 dead, Raleigh rents increase nearly 6% from last year, 4 people arrested, charged in February stabbing in Burlington. I always thought it was a fib people told. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. South Carolina alligators can be found thriving in the shallow and swampy areas of the lake and can also be found in coves and creeks. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. BELMONT, N.C. An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. they tried getting photos before the gator jumped off the log and swam toward shore. We welcome stories and community members from anywhere people experience the impossible. His friend may be next. In 2000, officers found a gator in the Crowders Creek area of Wylie and in 1999, Catawba Nuclear Station employees spotted a 5- to 7-foot alligator lurking in a nearby lagoon. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple . I got outta there," Cannon said. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. So we decided to create a place where we could gather all our concerns, and who knows, maybe we could also help someone else in our situation. Catherine Muccigrosso - cmuccigrosso@lakewyliepilot.com. He says alligators don't naturally inhabit the Lake, and doesn't know how the three got there, but has a theory. Are There Alligators In Lake Wylie NC? Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Lake Wylie. There are also two towns that are located on Lake Wylie, including Tega Cay and Lake Wylie. So needless to say we stayed in our kayaks. After a local resident found the creature while kayaking, he pulled it to shore and called animal control. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. I read somewhere, maybe Wikipedia, that a few alligators have been found in Lake Wylie. These creatures made their presence known by coming out of the water and sunning themselves on the rocks. Photo at South Carolina lake resurrects talk of tribal legend, (Jessica Plate (custom credit) | Jessica Plate), Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, Making breakfast burritos and cheater beans with Chef Elizabeth Barrick, Authorities searching for missing 12-year-old Gaston County girl, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video, Monsters of North Carolina: Mysterious Creatures in the Tar Heel State, though alligators have been found occasionally. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. The best spots for catfish include main channel points and drop-offs in deeper waters. [Different Ways Fish Travel to Isolated Bodies of Water]. 3 alligators spotted in Lake Wylie - YouTube 3 alligators spotted in Lake Wylie 36,965 views May 13, 2009 22 Dislike Share Wcnc Newsroom 8.92K subscribers Three alligators have been. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Located at South El Monte's Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Wheel Fun Rentals provides the San Gabriel Valley a great selection of bikes, unique specialty cycles, and watercraft rentals like Surreys, pedal boats, and Quad Sports for outdoor fun. The Catawba Nuclear Generating Station is located on the south-western part of the lake, and draws its cooling water from the lake. The two returned to the spot April 9 in preparation for a tournament this weekend. Lake Wylie has a range of fishing spots perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely . People may be scared about having an alligator in the lake but in all actuality it is only around 3 feet and won't do anything to humans. He also urges anglers to move to another spot. Neither lake, nor the Catawba River which connects them, has any indigenous alligators, although several alligators are found along the Catawba each year. We just watched, she said. Lake Norman is said to host its own lake monster, which witnesses have described as being similar to a large sturgeon or alligator garalthough some say it is closer to an overgrown alligator. You can catch them with various baits and lures, but the water levels at Lake Wylie are constantly fluctuating, making the fishing difficult. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. The only time an alligator has actually been in Lake Wylie is when someone caught an alligator somewhere else and dumped it here (and quickly picked up by Wildlife officials). This expansive park features lakes . Why fans love it. This time we visited on a Friday and there were lots of people there. South El Monte, CA 91733. However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. It isnt close. Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. All You Need To Know. Beautiful home at the highly desired Cameron Creek commu. This facility opened in August 1925, increasing the surface area of Lake Catawba from 668 acres (2.70 km2) to 13,400 acres (54.2 km2). Crusading vet treats some of LAs most cherished residents: The pets of skid row, Alex Murdaugh found guilty of murdering wife, son in June 2021, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife, son in June 2021, O.J. The only time an alligator has actually been in Lake Wylie is when someone caught an alligator somewhere else and dumped it here (and quickly picked up by Wildlife officials). Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. Bluegill is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Mark Price has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1991, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. In conclusion alligators are not going to invade lake Wylie so there is no reason to be worried. Lake Wylie is located in South Carolina and is a reservoir that the Duke Energy Corporation created. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator, according to WSOC-TV. "It looked . Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. Having lived in Lake Wylie for 11 years, Thomas said shes heard rumors about alligators in the lake. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. Plate asked in the photo's accompanying text. It definitely freaked us out.. One involves monstrously large snakes that prey on people in the rapids and giant leech-like creatures, reported John Hairr in the 2013 book Monsters of North Carolina: Mysterious Creatures in the Tar Heel State.. Lake Wylie is an artificial reservoir, so likely, the bottom of the Lake is mainly composed of sediment and rocks. Heres the list, Chester County father pleads guilty to 2021 abuse of infant twins, sentenced to prison, Former Panthers site entrance, large home lots near Lake Wylie among Rock Hill plans, Death investigation after man found shot to death in Chester County, sheriff says, York County resident dies, nearly 100 York, Lancaster, Chester COVID-19 cases reported. Plate took the photo at Sunset Point on Lake Wylie in South Carolina last Saturday around 7:15 pm, and since posting it to Nextdoor on Sunday, the picture has garnered significant speculation from people who have tentatively identified its subject as everything from an alligator to a floating log to some sort of water monster. Lake Norman is said to host its own lake monster, which witnesses have described as being similar to a large sturgeon or alligator garalthough some say it is closer to an overgrown alligator. "Wylie Hydroelectric Station Celebrates 75 Years Of Service: A Little History Gets A Chance To Shine", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lake_Wylie&oldid=1094559366, This page was last edited on 23 June 2022, at 10:41. Captain Chris Nichols provides information on the best spots to catch them. Medford learned of the gator, estimated to be about 20inches long, about two months ago when an angler contacted him with photos. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? Wind advisory continues overnight, nearly 3,000 without power. All Rights Reserved. Lake Norman is a little over twice as big. "Clearly it's an alligator, three actually it looks like," said Dr. Roberts. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. LAKE WYLIE Experts estimate South Carolina has 100,000 alligators in its waters, but three of the smallest are the ones causing a stir in Lake Wylie. There is no way, this creature was way too big! she said. Another reason why experts believe the alligator was taken care of by somebody is because it's a lot wider than a typical American alligator, which suggests it has been fed by somebody. Pleasant Knoll, Gold Hill and the new Fort Mill Virtual Academy have seen leadership changes this summer. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Channel catfish are healthy fish and can be found all around the Lake. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. Its not dangerous, said Medford, who isnt planning to continue the search for it. Same exact log, same exact position.. 6 biologist, said he doesnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. The Singular Fortean Society (Tobias & Emily Wayland) 2016-2020. James and Christine Thomas of Lake Wylie and 13-year-old twins Brandon and Chandler were paddling about 1 p.m. Aug. 3 when they saw an alligator lounging on a log on the water. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. As for Plate, whatever she saw, she doesnt believe it was a semi aquatic mammal as some have suggested, and shell continue to return to Lake Wylie, hoping to spot the creature again. Fishing at Lake Wylie is easy, and youll be able to land some in no time. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Are there snakes in Lake Wylie? Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. But as Figueroa and his brother got closer, they saw the gator was dead. Lake Wylie monster?" He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. Are there crocodiles in Lake Murray SC? He must live back there.. Heres when severe weather is forecast, South Carolina running back forced to say goodbye to the game, Prosecution subpoenas Snapchat, Google to testify in upcoming Murdaugh trial, A Florida taxidermist takes clients nobody else will: grieving pet owners, Alex Murdaughs attorneys ask SC judge to bar testimony about blood spatter at trial, Netflix offers sneak peek of upcoming docuseries on Murdaugh murders in SC. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. And other interesting facts. LAKE WYLIE, S.C. (Mark Price/Charlotte Observer) - The legend of a monster snake in the Catawba River dates back centuries, but some see new proof in a grainy photo taken over the weekend at Sunset Point on Lake Wylie. (Jessica Plate). Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. First of all, it's a great place to swim. Fort Mill school district names new middle school principal as start date nears, Prime Fort Mill riverfront property among biggest York, Lancaster, Chester land sales, Fort Mill just named its top teachers and staff members for 2023. Author John Hairr wrote in Monsters of North Carolina: Mysterious Creatures in the Tar Heel State that both the areas indigenous people of the Catawba Nation and European settlers have legends going back centuries of snake-like monsters living in the Catawba River. The Southern Power Company was merged with Duke Power Company in 1927. Yes, catfish are biting at Lake Wylie. Jacob Cannon said that he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's Loftin Riverfront park when he saw the reptile. [1], In October 1960, the power station was renamed the Wylie Hydroelectric Station, and the lake was renamed Lake Wylie in honor of W. Gil Wylie, one of the founders of the original Catawba Power Company that had created the lake and become Duke Power.[1]. Now the gators have taken up residence and Doctor Roberts says they could live there a long time. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. I dont think itll mess you.. TOCHI GRACE NWAJAGU (License #674737) is an Individual in WYLIE licensed by Board of Registered Nursing, an agency of California Departement of Consumer Affairs (DCA). The photo, posted online Sunday, shows what could be the head of something sticking out of the lake, with a sinuous wake spinning several feet behind it. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. The communities surrounding Lake Wylie organise a plethora of yearly events, including water sports team events, live music festivals . Lake norman has 49.81 square miles while lake wylie has 21 square miles. The average weight of a spotted bass caught in Lake Wylie is around 4 pounds, but the maximum size of spotted bass caught in Lake Wylie is approximately 22 inches long. Duke Power manages six public boat access areas on the lake. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' The largemouth bass is a widespread species of fish to catch in Lake Wylie. [1], In 1924, the Southern Power Company raised the level of the dam and built the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the original. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. If you enjoyed this article and would like to support the Singular Fortean Society, please consider becoming an official member by signing up through our Patreon pagemembership includes a ton of extra content and behind-the-scenes access to the Societys inner workings. I dont want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, said Christine Thomas, a Lake Wylie resident for 11 years. Kayakers on Lake Wylie near Copperhead Island boat docks were surprised by a visitor spotted on a log earlier this month. How should a boat sit on a Trailer? A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap, Lake Jennings Fishing: San Diegos Best Kept Secret, How Do Fish Get to Inland Lakes? The man-made lake was first formed when the Catawba Power Company built the Catawba Dam and Power Plant near India Hook, South Carolina in 1904. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. The Lake is named after the Wylie family, who were the original owners of the land. On Sunday, their five heaviest bass weighed more than 20 pounds, which is good for this lake., Seeing the gator, he said, just summed up a great day.. This story was originally published August 13, 2014, 10:00 PM. [3] This dam impounded the Catawba River and created Lake Catawba, which was utilized to create hydro-electric power. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. An Alligator was found on Lake Wylie on Sunday. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. Medford said its likely someone released the gator into Lake Wylie. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, said Medford, adding he doesnt expect it to grow much before winter. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse!. The bank around Lake Wylie is cleared of brush, which makes it easy for anglers to find their way around the Lake. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. Lancaster County could get $68 million of jail, road, park upgrades. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Winthrop University Biology Professor Doctor William Roberts saysfrom the pictures and video hehas seen the ripples seem to be alligators. Andrew Dys: 803-329-4065 . The Catawba Indians believed that monstrously large snakes inhabited the Catawba River, and preserved stories of these large animals killing people on the rocks of the rapids near what is now Charlotte. 05-06-2015, 02:58 PM CarolinaWoman : 10,109 posts, read 10,395,323 times Reputation: 8573. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Its small but can have a nasty little bite.. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. I know this picture isnt the greatest, but tonight while walking around the lake in our neighborhood we saw this 3 to 4 foot thing moving in the water. Have a look, Commentary: Large or small, make life better for them all on Change a Pets Life Day, SC prosecutors will seek life sentence, not death penalty, for Alex Murdaugh in murder trial. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. This story was originally published April 9, 2015, 5:29 PM. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. I dont want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, she said. Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. According to the SCDNR website, the American alligator, or Alligator mississippiensis, is the only crocodilian native in the Palmetto State. Jacob Cannon. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. How Deep is Lake Superior? In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. Video shows driver nearly hitting 2 students crossing NC road to board their bus, NC Supreme Court blocks transfer of school funds in Leandro court case, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife, son in June 2021, Man charged with DUI after 3-year-old child dies in Fort Mill car crash, police say, The top-ranked pie in North Carolina doesnt look like pie at all. Lake Wylie is a census-designated place located in York County, South Carolina. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. Lake Wylie is a 12,000-acre lake on the northern border of South Carolina, at Tega Cay. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. I always thought it was a fib people told. James and Christine Thomas of Lake Wylie and 13-year-old twins Brandon and Chandler were paddling in the early afternoon Aug. 3 when they saw an alligator lounging on a log on the water.