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. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. 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. You can buy your fishing license online now. Kayakers on Lake Wylie near Copperhead Island boat docks were surprised by a visitor spotted on a log earlier this month. His friend may be next. For the most part, if theyre there, people do detect them.. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped because they arent native to the area. 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. [1], In 1924, the Southern Power Company raised the level of the dam and built the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the original. At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 8,841. "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. Plate asked in the photo's accompanying text. Duke Power manages six public boat access areas on the lake. South El Monte, CA 91733. 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. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. 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. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. We welcome stories and community members from anywhere people experience the impossible. Gator or monster snake? A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. 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. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. Mark Price has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1991, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Its small but can have a nasty little bite.. 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. 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. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? If the gator was caught, Medford said, the commission would work with zoos to place it, or euthanize it because moving it to a different location could harm local populations. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' All You Need To Know. No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. "Clearly it's an alligator, three actually it looks like," said Dr. Roberts. 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. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator. Lake Norman is a little over twice as big. Neither lake, nor the Catawba River which connects them, has any indigenous alligators, although several alligators are found along the Catawba each year. they tried getting photos before the gator jumped off the log and swam toward shore. It could've been released. The license was issued on March 1, 2006 and expires on October 31, 2015. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. Lake Marion is known for its abundance of big fish and incredible wildlife. MLS# 3927733. BELMONT, N.C. An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. The two returned to the spot todayin preparation for a tournament this weekend. 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. We have visited Legg Lake Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area numerous times. To keep up with the latest news and events happening with the Singular Fortean Society, sign up for our monthly newsletter! [3] This dam impounded the Catawba River and created Lake Catawba, which was utilized to create hydro-electric power. 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. Lake Wylie is a great place to catch bluegill. More than likely it was released but we don't know that," Cody Walker, with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, said. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. It could've been released. 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. This story was originally published August 13, 2014, 10:00 PM. Jacob Cannon told Channel 9 he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's LoftinRiverfront park when he saw the reptile. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Channel catfish are healthy fish and can be found all around the Lake. I got outta there," Cannon said. 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. 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.. An Alligator was found on Lake Wylie on Sunday. DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Are there crocodiles in Lake Murray SC? He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention 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. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? 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. Lake Wylie is about 30 miles east of Charlotte and 20 miles north of Rock Hill. Lake Wylie is an artificial reservoir, so likely, the bottom of the Lake is mainly composed of sediment and rocks. Read more top trending stories onwsoctv.com: 2023 Cox Media Group. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), High-speed chase leads to deadly officer-involved shooting in Chester, Man found shot to death inside Albemarle home; no arrests made, 5-year-old girl died hours after doctor turned her away for being late, WATCH: Keith Monday's Wednesday forecast outlook, Body of Rev. One of my twins had just jumped in the water to swim and gotten back on, said Christine Thomas. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. Baits such as worms, artificial lures, and fly fishing can all be used to catch Spotted bass. 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. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. Why fans love it. The children are scared to death," said Orr. What is at the bottom of Lake Wylie? I dont want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, she said. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. (805) 252-5894. Is there any truth to these stories? Lake Wylie monster?" 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. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. He also urges anglers to move to another spot. First of all, it's a great place to swim. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. In conclusion alligators are not going to invade lake Wylie so there is no reason to be worried. A 5-foot-long alligator has just been discovered on the Catawba River in Belmont, NC, just north of Lake Wylie. 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. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. The Catawba had legends of giant leechlike creatures that lived in the river. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. Winthrop University Biology Professor Doctor William Roberts saysfrom the pictures and video hehas seen the ripples seem to be alligators. Fisherman Carson Orellana and friend Chris Carnes shared this video with Lake Wylie Pilot of an alligator spotted April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. 49.81 square miles vs 21 square miles. Lake norman has an expansive open water like the other two lakes, but lake wylie feels like a really wide river and doesn't have it. 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. "I can't really answer how it got here. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. 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. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. 2. The Lake is home to several fish attractors that can help anglers catch various fish. York County, tri-county unemployment hit milestone numbers with coronavirus uptick. I read somewhere, maybe Wikipedia, that a few alligators have been found in Lake Wylie. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. This story was originally published April 9, 2015, 5:29 PM. 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. 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 . 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.. On Tuesday officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. Does Wylie have alligators? I always thought it was a fib people told. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. It isnt close. The Singular Fortean Society (Tobias & Emily Wayland) 2016-2020. At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!. 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. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. "The one variable in this that there is that large plume of warm water from the nuclear power plant where the alligators can hang out all winter long and theoretically stay warm enough," said Dr. Roberts. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. After paddling to other coves they returned to see the gator still there. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. But as Figueroa and his brother got closer, they saw the gator was dead. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. Allen Steam Station located on the northern part of the lake (west of Charlotte) also draws its cooling water from the lake. SCDOT says these York, Lancaster and Chester county roads are up next for repaving. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. Lake Wylie sits on a peninsula that runs along the edge of Lake Wylie, a reservoir named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie in 1960. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. It definitely freaked us out.. Now the gators have taken up residence and Doctor Roberts says they could live there a long time. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. Please, does anyone know what it was! she added. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. His tongue lolled out, and his wide, square jaw was open as if he was grinning ear to ear. 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. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he 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. Although they are not as popular as other fish, they can provide a tasty meal. 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. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. There is also fishing. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. 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. 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. Medford learned of the gator, estimated to be about 20inches long, about two months ago when an angler contacted him with photos. Medford said its likely someone released the gator into Lake Wylie. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple . GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. Dr. Roberts says the alligators pose not threat to people until they get to be about 6 feet long, but they could be dangerous to small pets. (Jessica Plate). To report your own encounter with the impossible, reach out to us directly at the Singular Fortean Society through our contact page. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. 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. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. The bank around Lake Wylie is cleared of brush, which makes it easy for anglers to find their way around the Lake. Plate told McClatchy news she wasnt aware of the river snake myth until she started reading the responses posted to the photo. Pleasant Knoll, Gold Hill and the new Fort Mill Virtual Academy have seen leadership changes this summer. I got outta there," Cannon said. Never seen an alligator in the Catawba River, but the local media has reported alligator . You can find this fish on various baits, including worms, artificial lures, and baitfish. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. 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. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. 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. 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. I also heard the lake is not very clean. Are There Alligators In Lake Wylie NC? "I mean this is a beautiful lake and we can't even enjoy it. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. 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. "It looked . Lake Wylie is a 12,000-acre lake on the northern border of South Carolina, at Tega Cay. Bluegill can be caught using a variety of baits, such as worms, minnows, and even jigs. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. "Is this your boy?" 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. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses. Same exact log, same exact position.. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. 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. "I don't want. Beautiful home at the highly desired Cameron Creek commu. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Wind advisory continues overnight, nearly 3,000 without power. 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. 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. 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. types of services we offer. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. 751 Santa Anita. Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. In 2014, kayakers spotted a small alligator near Copperhead Island on Lake Wylie, and in 2002 DNR officers captured an 8-foot alligator in a Lake Wylie cove. 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. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. He says alligators don't naturally inhabit the Lake, and doesn't know how the three got there, but has a theory. The image uploaded by Jessica Plate to social media site Nextdoor. 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. It was rumored to have been first spotted alive on Saturday, and then discovered dead, floating in the water, just off highway 74. 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. 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 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. Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. 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. The Southern Power Company was merged with Duke Power Company in 1927. Channel catfish are one of the most common fish species to be caught there. "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. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. In 2000, officers found a gator in the. "It's possible somebody was along the coast caught a few and thought it would be funny to throw them in there," said Roberts. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. norman baker wendy williams birthday, collective noun of fruits,