According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. How Deep is Lake Superior? Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped because they arent native to the area. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. Neither lake, nor the Catawba River which connects them, has any indigenous alligators, although several alligators are found along the Catawba each year. There is no definitive answer to this question. All Rights Reserved. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. 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. What lakes in north Texas have alligators? Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, said Medford, adding he doesnt expect it to grow much before winter. Winthrop University Biology Professor Doctor William Roberts saysfrom the pictures and video hehas seen the ripples seem to be alligators. Within hours of it being posted online, talk of alligators, giant water snakes and a monster were being shared on Nextdoor.com, a community networking site. 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. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. They are also a good choice for experienced anglers because they are usually well-behaved and can provide a lot of sport. 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. "I mean this is a beautiful lake and we can't even enjoy it. 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. So needless to say we stayed in our kayaks. MLS# 3927733. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. Catfish and Shad are familiar food sources for largemouth bass, making this spot ideal for fishing with bait and lures replicating these foods. Never seen an alligator in the Catawba River, but the local media has reported alligator . 49.81 square miles vs 21 square miles. The bank around Lake Wylie is cleared of brush, which makes it easy for anglers to find their way around the Lake. Heres the list. You can find this fish on various baits, including worms, artificial lures, and baitfish. "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. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on 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 Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. According to the SCDNR website, the American alligator, or Alligator mississippiensis, is the only crocodilian native in the Palmetto State. 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. 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 want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, she said. York County coronavirus unemployment versus the Great Recession? In 1905, the Catawba Power Company became part of the Southern Power Company. One person who viewed the photograph suggested it was a big nasty snake.. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Please, does anyone know what it was! she added. His friend may be next. 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. Bluegill can be caught using a variety of baits, such as worms, minnows, and even jigs. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. The Southern Power Company was merged with Duke Power Company in 1927. He must live back there.. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? An Alligator was found on Lake Wylie on Sunday. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. Plate told McClatchy news she wasnt aware of the river snake myth until she started reading the responses posted to the photo. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. Lake Norman is a little over twice as big. Lake Wylie is about 30 miles east of Charlotte and 20 miles north of Rock Hill. But as Figueroa and his brother got closer, they saw the gator was dead. How should a boat sit on a Trailer? They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. 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. There is no way, this creature was way too big! she said. 2. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. 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. Medford said alligator bites are rare, and typically the concern is protecting small pets. For the most part, if theyre there, people do detect them.. The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. Catherine Muccigrosso - cmuccigrosso@lakewyliepilot.com. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. 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. I read somewhere, maybe Wikipedia, that a few alligators have been found in Lake Wylie. 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. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. 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. 6 biologist, said he doesnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. Giant snakes were not the only mysterious creatures inhabiting the river in the days before European settlement of the region. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission District 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. 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. 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. 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. Channel 9 was there Tuesday as officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. The two returned to the spot todayin preparation for a tournament this weekend. 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. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Simpson, others react on social media after Alex Murdaugh is found guilty, Strong storms, tornadoes possible in Midlands. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' 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. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Are there snakes in Lake Wylie? "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. The lake has a surface area of 13,400 acres (54.2 km 2) [1] (20.9 mi 2) (5420 ha) and features 325 miles (523 km) [2] of shoreline. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. 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. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. There are also two towns that are located on Lake Wylie, including Tega Cay and Lake Wylie. 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. "Is this your boy?" Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. 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. The wake it made was enormous! Same exact log, same exact position.. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse!. Lake Wylie is a great place to catch bluegill. You can catch them using a variety of baits, but scavenging is the most common method. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple . 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. What is at the bottom of Lake Wylie? White perch are a good choice for beginner anglers because they are easy to catch. 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. We have visited Legg Lake Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area numerous times. The registered business location is at 3001 Lake Terrace Drive, Wylie, TX 75098. Allen Steam Station located on the northern part of the lake (west of Charlotte) also draws its cooling water from the lake. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. The weekends are even more popular. 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. "Clearly it's an alligator, three actually it looks like," said Dr. Roberts. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Is there any truth to these stories? Channel catfish are healthy fish and can be found all around the Lake. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. I dont think itll mess with you.. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator. 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.. The Lake is also famous for water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming. Dr. Kwane Stewart asked as he walked toward the pair. People are advised . At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!. This story was originally published April 9, 2015, 5:29 PM. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. But as Figueroa and his brother got closer, they saw the gator was dead. "I can't really answer how it got here. 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.. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. If its as cold as last winter, he almost certainly wont make it.. 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. DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. "It's possible somebody was along the coast caught a few and thought it would be funny to throw them in there," said Roberts. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. 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. 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. His tongue lolled out, and his wide, square jaw was open as if he was grinning ear to ear. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. 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. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. Bluegill is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 8,841. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. It isnt close. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. However, because it is a popular fishing destination, much fish will likely be in the Lake. 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 communities surrounding Lake Wylie organise a plethora of yearly events, including water sports team events, live music festivals . Having lived in Lake Wylie for 11 years, Thomas said shes heard rumors about alligators in the lake. It definitely freaked us out.. "I don't want. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. This story was originally published December 30, 2019, 7:40 AM. All You Need To Know. 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. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. Lake Wylie sits on a peninsula that runs along the edge of Lake Wylie, a reservoir named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie in 1960. SCDOT says these York, Lancaster and Chester county roads are up next for repaving. 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 first sighting was Friday. There is places to walk and jog. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. 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. 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. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. [1], In 1924, the Southern Power Company raised the level of the dam and built the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the original. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. 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. The Lake is home to several fish attractors that can help anglers catch various fish. Lake Wylie has a range of fishing spots perfect for anglers of all skill levels. No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. There are peddle boat rentals on Legg Lake. Why fans love it. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. 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. Fishing at Lake Wylie is easy, and youll be able to land some in no time. The license type is Registered Nurse. The state biologist said he went with and without the angler looking for the gator, but I never laid eyes on it.. I also heard the lake is not very clean. I spent time trying to catch it, but thought it was either caught or had moved, Medford said. Kayakers on Lake Wylie near Copperhead Island boat docks were surprised by a visitor spotted on a log earlier this month. 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. 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. [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]. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Jacob Cannon. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. The image uploaded by Jessica Plate to social media site Nextdoor. Channel catfish are one of the most common fish species to be caught there. 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 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. Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. 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. The wake it made was enormous! "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. A 5-foot-long alligator has just been discovered on the Catawba River in Belmont, NC, just north of Lake Wylie. 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). Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . 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.