Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. "It looked kind of like a lizard; it . However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. "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. Please, does anyone know what it was! she added. More than likely it was released but we don't know that," Cody Walker, with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, said. 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. The Lake is home to several fish attractors that can help anglers catch various fish. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' [Different Ways Fish Travel to Isolated Bodies of Water]. DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. 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In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. 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. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. 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. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Bluegill can be caught using a variety of baits, such as worms, minnows, and even jigs. ft. house located at 4075 Whittier Ln, Tega Cay, SC 29708 sold for $475,000 on Feb 27, 2023. 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 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. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. The nature center also has a pier where anglers can fish. At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 8,841. LAKE WYLIE Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on 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. He must live back there.. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Medford learned of the gator, estimated to be about 20inches long, about two months ago when an angler contacted him with photos. Lake Wylie is a census-designated place located in York County, South Carolina. River, water, and lake access. (Jessica Plate). Are there snakes in Lake Wylie? Catherine Muccigrosso - cmuccigrosso@lakewyliepilot.com. 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. I always thought it was a fib people told. "I know this picture. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. 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. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. York County coronavirus unemployment versus the Great Recession? The Lake is named after the Wylie family, who were the original owners of the land. 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. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. 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. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. It could've been released. The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. types of services we offer. In 2000, officers found a gator in the Crowders Creek area of Wylie and in 1999, Catawba Nuclear Station employees spotted a 5- to 7-foot alligator lurking in a nearby lagoon. Lake norman has 49.81 square miles while lake wylie has 21 square miles. 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. Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. To keep up with the latest news and events happening with the Singular Fortean Society, sign up for our monthly newsletter! 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. Plate told McClatchy news she wasnt aware of the river snake myth until she started reading the responses posted to the photo. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. His tongue lolled out, and his wide, square jaw was open as if he was grinning ear to ear. So needless to say we stayed in our kayaks. The children are scared to death," said Orr. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. The license was issued on March 1, 2006 and expires on October 31, 2015. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. Its small but can have a nasty little bite.. 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. 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. We just watched, she said. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. After a local resident found the creature while kayaking, he pulled it to shore and called animal control. One of my twins had just jumped in the water to swim and gotten back on, said Christine Thomas. Foxes, deer, alligators, hawks, egrets, wild turkeys and ducks all call the lake home. In 2000, officers found a gator in the. An Alligator was found on Lake Wylie on Sunday. 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. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. 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. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. 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. The Singular Fortean Society (Tobias & Emily Wayland) 2016-2020. The wake it made was enormous! She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. 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. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. Jacob Cannon said that he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's Loftin Riverfront park when he saw the reptile. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. 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. There is also place to ride bikes. The South Fork River and Catawba River confluence is now submerged under Lake Wylie near the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. The best spots for catfish include main channel points and drop-offs in deeper waters. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. They are also a good choice for experienced anglers because they are usually well-behaved and can provide a lot of sport. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. For the most part, if theyre there, people do detect them.. Lake Wylie monster?" Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. 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. It isnt close. 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. The two returned to the spot April 9 in preparation for a tournament this weekend. 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. No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. After paddling to other coves they returned to see the gator still there. "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 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. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. Jacob Cannon told Channel 9 he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's LoftinRiverfront park when he saw the reptile. What lakes in north Texas have alligators? Yes, catfish are biting at Lake Wylie. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. 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. 2. He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. His friend may be next. 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. Winthrop University Biology Professor Doctor William Roberts saysfrom the pictures and video hehas seen the ripples seem to be alligators. "About 4 years ago, I was out on my dock and we were feeding the geese, and all of a sudden one went down and it was hollering and hollering," she said. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses. 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. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. 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.. Gator or monster snake? Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? The truth is, Alligators do not live in Lake Wylie. Plate asked in the photo's accompanying text. 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. At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!. Dr. Kwane Stewart asked as he walked toward the pair. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. The Singular Fortean Society earns a fee as an Amazon Associate for qualifying purchases. Orella. "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. 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. 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. This time we visited on a Friday and there were lots of people there. 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. You can catch them with various baits and lures, but the water levels at Lake Wylie are constantly fluctuating, making the fishing difficult. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. Channel catfish are healthy fish and can be found all around the Lake. One person who viewed the photograph suggested it was a big nasty snake.. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. The registered business location is at 3001 Lake Terrace Drive, Wylie, TX 75098. No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. 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. There is places to walk and jog. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. 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. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. Neither lake, nor the Catawba River which connects them, has any indigenous alligators, although several alligators are found along the Catawba each year. You can buy your fishing license online now. Why fans love it. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. LAKE WYLIE Experts estimate South Carolina has 100,000 alligators in its waters, but three of the smallest are the ones causing a stir in Lake Wylie. Anglers can catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish at 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. The Catawba Nuclear Generating Station is located on the south-western part of the lake, and draws its cooling water from the lake. 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 is an artificial reservoir, so likely, the bottom of the Lake is mainly composed of sediment and rocks. 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. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. How should a boat sit on a Trailer? 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). #Alligator found on #LakeWylieSC story at 5 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/g9iFgYouzb. Why fans love it. He says alligators don't naturally inhabit the Lake, and doesn't know how the three got there, but has a theory. I spent time trying to catch it, but thought it was either caught or had moved, Medford said. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club.