It was rumored to have been first spotted alive on Saturday, and then discovered dead, floating in the water, just off highway 74. But first, Thomas said. 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. Does Wylie have alligators? Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. 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. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. Its small but can have a nasty little bite.. 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. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap, Lake Jennings Fishing: San Diegos Best Kept Secret, How Do Fish Get to Inland Lakes? More than likely it was released but we don't know that," Cody Walker, with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, said. 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. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. The largemouth bass is a widespread species of fish to catch in Lake Wylie. 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. Mark Price has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1991, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. The wake it made was enormous! Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. Giant snakes were not the only mysterious creatures inhabiting the river in the days before European settlement of the region. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. You can buy your fishing license online now. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. 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. South El Monte, CA 91733. The two returned to the spot todayin preparation for a tournament this weekend. Channel catfish are one of the most common fish species to be caught there. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. Channel 9 was there Tuesday as officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. How Deep is Lake Superior? A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. 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 Southern Power Company was merged with Duke Power Company in 1927. I dont want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, she said. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. 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. I read somewhere, maybe Wikipedia, that a few alligators have been found in Lake Wylie. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. The Lake is also famous for water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming. 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. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. 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. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. Lake Wylie is a census-designated place located in York County, South Carolina. 6 biologist, said he doesnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. Kayakers on Lake Wylie near Copperhead Island boat docks were surprised by a visitor spotted on a log earlier this month. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. 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). The S.C. Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. 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. cryptid, greys, high strangeness, lake michigan mothman, monsters, mothman, Loch Ness at Six "Official" Monster Sightings in 2022, Most Recent Photograph of "Ogopogo" Is Making Waves in Cryptid Community, 'Champ Search' Posts Video of Anomalous Sonar Return from Lake Champlain, Man Reports Childhood Encounter with Mysterious Aquatic Humanoid in Lake Erie, New Plesiosaur Discovery May Give False Hope to Nessie Fans, Video of Unidentified Object in Loch Ness Represents Fourth "Official" Nessie Sighting Report of 2022, Sonar Image of "Something Big" in Loch Ness Marks Second "Official" Nessie Sighting Report of 2022, Documentary Filmmaker Reports First "Official" Loch Ness Monster Sighting of 2022, "Loch Ness Monster" in London's Wimbledon Park Lake was Simply a Submerged Tree, Scientist Rejects Notion That the Loch Ness Monster Could Be a Plesiosaur, Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus to Blame for Recent Rash of UFO Reports, Video Surfaces of Deceased Bird Seemingly Suspended in Midair in British Columbia, Canadian Flight Crew Reports Anomalous Lights near Yellowknife, Canada, Witness Reports Group Sighting of "Large Man" with "Wings That Were Wider Than a Car" in Chicago's Little Village, Unidentified Flying Objects Shot Down over North America Fuel Conspiracy Theories in UFO Community, Trail Cam Photo of Hairy Humanoid Reportedly Taken in Pierce County, Washington, RAF Pilot Reports Near Miss with "Doughnut Shaped" UFO near Currock Hill in England, Multiple Witnesses Report Camouflaged Creature "Straight from the Movie 'Predator'" in Chicago, Man Reports Childhood Sighting of UFOs Flying in Formation over California, Man Reports Encounter with Red-Eyed, Insect-Like Humanoid in Evanston, Illinois. How should a boat sit on a Trailer? CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator. He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. "I don't want. [1], In 1924, the Southern Power Company raised the level of the dam and built the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the original. These creatures made their presence known by coming out of the water and sunning themselves on the rocks. The registered business location is at 3001 Lake Terrace Drive, Wylie, TX 75098. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Medford said its likely someone released the gator into Lake Wylie. Lake Norman is a little over twice as big. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. His friend may be next. The bank around Lake Wylie is cleared of brush, which makes it easy for anglers to find their way around the Lake. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. Lake Wylie is about 30 miles east of Charlotte and 20 miles north of Rock Hill. 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 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. We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. Simpson, others react on social media after Alex Murdaugh is found guilty, Strong storms, tornadoes possible in Midlands. Dr. Kwane Stewart asked as he walked toward the pair. SCDOT says these York, Lancaster and Chester county roads are up next for repaving. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. 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. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. 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. 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.. It is a Charlotte, North Carolina suburb. A 5-foot-long alligator has just been discovered on the Catawba River in Belmont, NC, just north of Lake Wylie. Lake Wylie monster?" 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. There is no way, this creature was way too big! she said. The license type is Registered Nurse. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. 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. 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. Captain Chris Nichols provides information on the best spots to catch them. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. Duke Power manages six public boat access areas on the lake. Please, does anyone know what it was! she added. Bluegill is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They are also a good choice for experienced anglers because they are usually well-behaved and can provide a lot of sport. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. He must live back there.. 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. (Jessica Plate). South Carolina resident Jessica Plate posted a photograph to social media site Nextdoor recently that has some speculating about a monster in Lake Wylie. He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. You can find this fish on various baits, including worms, artificial lures, and baitfish. There is places to walk and jog. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? Lake norman is larger than the other lake. One of my twins had just jumped in the water to swim and gotten back on, said Christine Thomas. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. I dont think itll mess with you.. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. All You Need To Know. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. 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. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. Lake Wylie has a range of fishing spots perfect for anglers of all skill levels. 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 sits on a peninsula that runs along the edge of Lake Wylie, a reservoir named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie in 1960. Allen Steam Station located on the northern part of the lake (west of Charlotte) also draws its cooling water from the lake. It definitely freaked us out.. "The first sighting was Friday. 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. 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. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. 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. For the most part, if theyre there, people do detect them.. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? Andrew Dys: 803-329-4065 . He also urges anglers to move to another spot. Anglers can catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish at Lake Wylie. Same exact log, same exact position.. Baits such as worms, artificial lures, and fly fishing can all be used to catch Spotted bass. 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. In conclusion alligators are not going to invade lake Wylie so there is no reason to be worried. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. 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. 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. 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. 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. Orella. 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. Catfish and Shad are familiar food sources for largemouth bass, making this spot ideal for fishing with bait and lures replicating these foods. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely . Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. According to the SCDNR website, the American alligator, or Alligator mississippiensis, is the only crocodilian native in the Palmetto State. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. 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. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. 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. 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. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Read more top trending stories onwsoctv.com: 2023 Cox Media Group. Yes, catfish are biting at Lake Wylie. 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. Why fans love it. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. "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. He says alligators don't naturally inhabit the Lake, and doesn't know how the three got there, but has a theory. "I can't really answer how it got here. Gator or monster snake? No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. #Alligator found on #LakeWylieSC story at 5 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/g9iFgYouzb. 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. 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, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. 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. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. Catherine Muccigrosso - cmuccigrosso@lakewyliepilot.com. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. 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. His tongue lolled out, and his wide, square jaw was open as if he was grinning ear to ear. An excellent location for fishing for crappie is behind the dam. 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. "It looked . "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. 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. Is there any truth to these stories? One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. 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. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in. But as Figueroa and his brother got closer, they saw the gator was dead. 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. However, because it is a popular fishing destination, much fish will likely be in the Lake. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. "I can't really answer how it got here. 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. 2. 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. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. I spent time trying to catch it, but thought it was either caught or had moved, Medford said. 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. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? 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. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. But as Figueroa and his brother got closer, they saw the gator was dead. York County coronavirus unemployment versus the Great Recession? There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. "Is this your boy?" Lake Wylie is a great place to catch bluegill. "I know this picture. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. Lake Wylie is a 12,000-acre lake on the northern border of South Carolina, at Tega Cay. And other interesting facts. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. So needless to say we stayed in our kayaks. We believe thats the size when they were put in there, Medford 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. Billy Graham will lie in honor Wednesday at US Capitol, Police ID driver accused of nearly hitting 2 students at bus stop in Statesville, Missing Pennsylvania woman found alive after more than 30 years, Reality star Honey Boo Boo inside speeding car involved in chase with deputies in Georgia, Mooresville orders removal of memorial at park after teens death, Rock band Kiss reveals Charlotte connection to hit song, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Lake Wylie is home to a large number of white perch. Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. About 60% of the 1,200 miles of shoreline are in SC, the other 40% in NC. The truth is, Alligators do not live in Lake Wylie. I dont think itll mess you.. It could've been released. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. LAKE WYLIE Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. Wind advisory continues overnight, nearly 3,000 without power. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention 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. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple . Lake Norman has 533 miles of shoreline while Lake Wylie has 325 miles of shoreline. 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 . On Tuesday officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. You can catch them with various baits and lures, but the water levels at Lake Wylie are constantly fluctuating, making the fishing difficult. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' 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 is located in South Carolina and is a reservoir that the Duke Energy Corporation created. It isnt close. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The best sites for bass include the dam and drop-offs in the main channel. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission District 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. 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.