GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. Lake Wylie is located in South Carolina and is a reservoir that the Duke Energy Corporation created. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' Jacob Cannon said that he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's Loftin Riverfront park when he saw the reptile. 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). 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. South El Monte, CA 91733. I dont think itll mess you.. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. 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. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap, Lake Jennings Fishing: San Diegos Best Kept Secret, How Do Fish Get to Inland Lakes? There is no definitive answer to this question. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!. The children are scared to death," said Orr. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? Catherine Muccigrosso - cmuccigrosso@lakewyliepilot.com. 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. DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Same exact log, same exact position.. 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.. The South Fork River and Catawba River confluence is now submerged under Lake Wylie near the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. What is at the bottom of Lake Wylie? This expansive park features lakes . We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? 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. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator. "I know this picture. 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. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. Wind advisory continues overnight, nearly 3,000 without power. The Lake is home to several fish attractors that can help anglers catch various fish. His friend may be next. 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. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. "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. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. Fishing at Lake Wylie is easy, and youll be able to land some in no time. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. 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. Although they are not as popular as other fish, they can provide a tasty meal. Is there any truth to these stories? His tongue lolled out, and his wide, square jaw was open as if he was grinning ear to ear. Also it probably won't make it through winter. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Mark Price has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1991, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. The Singular Fortean Society earns a fee as an Amazon Associate for qualifying purchases. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on 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. According to the SCDNR website, the American alligator, or Alligator mississippiensis, is the only crocodilian native in the Palmetto State. This time we visited on a Friday and there were lots of people there. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. There is also fishing. The lake has a surface area of approximately 13,443 acres (54.361 km2) with 325 miles (523km) of shoreline, and stretches from the Mountain Island Dam, south of Mountain Island Lake in North Carolina to the Wylie Dam on the south end of the lake. "It looked kind of like a lizard; it . More than likely it was released but we don't know that," Cody Walker, with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, said. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. Plate told McClatchy news she wasnt aware of the river snake myth until she started reading the responses posted to the photo. The communities surrounding Lake Wylie organise a plethora of yearly events, including water sports team events, live music festivals . Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Andrew Dys: 803-329-4065 . He says alligators don't naturally inhabit the Lake, and doesn't know how the three got there, but has a theory. Please, does anyone know what it was!. It definitely freaked us out.. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. If its as cold as last winter, he almost certainly wont make it.. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. 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. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. 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. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. 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). Julie Orr has been going out to Lake Wylie for more than 20 years and she says it's not the first time she's seen alligators in the lake. Lake Wylie is home to a large number of white perch. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. "Is this your boy?" We have visited Legg Lake Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area numerous times. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? These creatures made their presence known by coming out of the water and sunning themselves on the rocks. MLS# 3927733. Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Lake Wylie. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. 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. As in the case with the infamous Loch Ness monster, proof has never been found of anything large or monstrous in the river, though alligators have been found occasionally in the Catawba. The lake has a surface area of 13,400 acres (54.2 km2)[1] (20.9 mi2) (5420 ha) and features 325 miles (523km)[2] of shoreline. Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. 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. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. Lake Wylie is a census-designated place located in York County, South Carolina. York County coronavirus unemployment versus the Great Recession? Pleasant Knoll, Gold Hill and the new Fort Mill Virtual Academy have seen leadership changes this summer. The license type is Registered Nurse. 751 Santa Anita. It is a Charlotte, North Carolina suburb. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. He must live back there.. DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Jacob Cannon told Channel 9 he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's LoftinRiverfront park when he saw the reptile. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. 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. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. Channel catfish are one of the most common fish species to be caught there. He also urges anglers to move to another spot. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. 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. "The first sighting was Friday. You can buy your fishing license online now. types of services we offer. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. Lake Wylie feels more like a really wide river so to speak and doesn't have the expansive open water like Lake Norman does especially on the southern end. I dont want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, she said. Lake Wylie's location on both the South Carolina and North Carolina borders makes it a common recreational destination for residents of nearby cities including Charlotte, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. 05-06-2015, 02:58 PM CarolinaWoman : 10,109 posts, read 10,395,323 times Reputation: 8573. It was rumored to have been first spotted alive on Saturday, and then discovered dead, floating in the water, just off highway 74. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Never seen an alligator in the Catawba River, but the local media has reported alligator . There are also two towns that are located on Lake Wylie, including Tega Cay and Lake Wylie. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. "I know this picture isn't the greatest, but tonight while walking around the lake in our neighborhood we saw this 3 to 4 foot 'thing' moving in the water. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. 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. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. I read somewhere, maybe Wikipedia, that a few alligators have been found in Lake Wylie. "It's possible somebody was along the coast caught a few and thought it would be funny to throw them in there," said Roberts. The Lake is named after the Wylie family, who were the original owners of the land. Lake Wylie is about 30 miles east of Charlotte and 20 miles north of Rock Hill. The wake it made was enormous! Anglers find these spots highly rated for catching this species of fish. Medford said alligator bites are rare, and typically the concern is protecting small pets. 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. 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). The state biologist said he went with and without the angler looking for the gator, but I never laid eyes on it.. Lake Marion is known for its abundance of big fish and incredible wildlife. Lake Wylie is an artificial reservoir, so likely, the bottom of the Lake is mainly composed of sediment and rocks. The nature center also has a pier where anglers can fish. I dont think itll mess with you.. 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. Channel 9 was there Tuesday as officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely . A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. In 2000, officers found a gator in the. After paddling to other coves they returned to see the gator still there. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. Simpson, others react on social media after Alex Murdaugh is found guilty, Strong storms, tornadoes possible in Midlands. 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. 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. There is no way, this creature was way too big!, The Catawba Nation, a tribe of indigenous people based in the same area, has folklore that tells of multiple river monsters. Orella. The bank around Lake Wylie is cleared of brush, which makes it easy for anglers to find their way around the Lake. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. 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. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse!. The best sites for bass include the dam and drop-offs in the main channel. Anglers can obtain loaner tackle at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. The Southern Power Company was merged with Duke Power Company in 1927. First of all, it's a great place to swim. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. 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. In 1905, the Catawba Power Company became part of the Southern Power Company. Baits such as worms, artificial lures, and fly fishing can all be used to catch Spotted bass. Monsters of North Carolina: Mysterious Creatures in the Tar Heel State, though alligators have been found occasionally, 80-pound invasive fish can frighten people by jumping into boats in Mississippi, Ghostly image captured along Lake James reignites Bigfoot fever in North Carolina, Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. 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. SCDOT says these York, Lancaster and Chester county roads are up next for repaving. Its small but can have a nasty little bite.. I got outta there," Cannon said. [Different Ways Fish Travel to Isolated Bodies of Water]. Lake Wylie has a range of fishing spots perfect for anglers of all skill levels. This story was originally published April 9, 2015, 5:29 PM. 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. An Alligator was found on Lake Wylie on Sunday. As in the case with the infamous Loch Ness monster, proof has never been found of anything large or monstrous in the river, though alligators have been found occasionally in the Catawba. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. The two returned to the spot April 9 in preparation for a tournament this weekend. Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. 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. Lake Wylie is a great place to catch bluegill. Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. The weekends are even more popular. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. His friend may be next. The Catawba Nuclear Generating Station is located on the south-western part of the lake, and draws its cooling water from the lake. An excellent location for fishing for crappie is behind the dam. A 5-foot-long alligator has just been discovered on the Catawba River in Belmont, NC, just north of Lake Wylie. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in. He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. I fish all over the country, and Ive seen pretty much anything on the lake, he said, the only shocker was it was on this lake., Carnes said the gators spot also was good for fishing. Lake Wylie is one of 11 lakes on the Catawba River and is the oldest lake in the Catawba River basin, with water being moved around each lake on the chain system through Duke Power. But first, Thomas said. Doctor Roberts says the best rule of thumb is, if you leave the alligators alone, they'll leave you alone, but that's not enough for Orr. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. The Native Americans were not the only ones who believed that a monster lived in the Santee River system, of which the Catawba River is a major part. 2. 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. We started this blog as a place to go to when we had questions about buying our first home on the lake. 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. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. 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. Read more top trending stories onwsoctv.com: 2023 Cox Media Group. (805) 252-5894. Lake Norman is a little over twice as big. It could've been released. (Jessica Plate). In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention Gator or monster snake? You can catch them using a variety of baits, but scavenging is the most common method. Medford learned of the gator, estimated to be about 20inches long, about two months ago when an angler contacted him with photos. It could've been released. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. 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. How should a boat sit on a Trailer? Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. 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 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. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. Same exact log, same exact position.. Mountain Island Lake is fed by the Catawba River, and is the smallest of the three man-made lakes that border Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (Lake Norman, and Lake Wylie).Mountain Island Lake is managed by Charlotte-based company Duke Energy.The primary function of Mountain Island Lake is to provide drinking water for over 1 million residents of Charlotte and .