DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. This expansive park features lakes . Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. It was rumored to have been first spotted alive on Saturday, and then discovered dead, floating in the water, just off highway 74. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. 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. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. "I don't want. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . The largemouth bass is a widespread species of fish to catch in Lake Wylie. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. The state biologist said he went with and without the angler looking for the gator, but I never laid eyes on it.. The license type is Registered Nurse. You can buy your fishing license online now. (Jessica Plate). What lakes in north Texas have alligators? 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. There are peddle boat rentals on Legg Lake. White perch are a good choice for beginner anglers because they are easy to catch. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. 49.81 square miles vs 21 square miles. 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. Its not dangerous, said Medford, who isnt planning to continue the search for it. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. However, because it is a popular fishing destination, much fish will likely be in 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. We dont want people feeding it, Medford 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. 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. Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. Heres the list. Does Wylie have alligators? In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. The wake it made was enormous! 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. To keep up with the latest news and events happening with the Singular Fortean Society, sign up for our monthly newsletter! 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). 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. Anglers can catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish at Lake Wylie. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. #Alligator found on #LakeWylieSC story at 5 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/g9iFgYouzb. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. After a local resident found the creature while kayaking, he pulled it to shore and called animal control. He also urges anglers to move to another spot. The Catawba Nuclear Generating Station is located on the south-western part of the lake, and draws its cooling water from the lake. Lake Wylie is a 12,000-acre lake on the northern border of South Carolina, at Tega Cay. Duke Power manages six public boat access areas on the lake. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. More than likely it was released but we don't know that," Cody Walker, with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, said. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. Lake Norman is a little over twice as big. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. 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. Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. 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. Orella. You can catch them using a variety of baits, but scavenging is the most common method. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. Lake Wylie is a great place to catch bluegill. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. 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. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. 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. 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. Lake Norman has 533 miles of shoreline while Lake Wylie has 325 miles of shoreline. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention 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. The two returned to the spot todayin preparation for a tournament this weekend. I got outta there," Cannon said. Wind advisory continues overnight, nearly 3,000 without power. Lake norman is larger than the other lake. A 5-foot-long alligator has just been discovered on the Catawba River in Belmont, NC, just north of Lake Wylie. (805) 252-5894. 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. 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. 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. But we stayed away from it.. The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. 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. More than likely it was released but we don't know that," Cody Walker, with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, said. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. Are there crocodiles in Lake Murray SC? At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. 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I always thought it was a fib people told. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. He must live back there.. 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. "Is this your boy?" The registered business location is at 3001 Lake Terrace Drive, Wylie, TX 75098. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. These creatures made their presence known by coming out of the water and sunning themselves on the rocks. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. York County coronavirus unemployment versus the Great Recession? Allen Steam Station located on the northern part of the lake (west of Charlotte) also draws its cooling water from the lake. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. "It's possible somebody was along the coast caught a few and thought it would be funny to throw them in there," said Roberts. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? Jacob Cannon told Channel 9 he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's LoftinRiverfront park when he saw the reptile. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. The truth is, Alligators do not live in Lake Wylie. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. The Singular Fortean Society earns a fee as an Amazon Associate for qualifying purchases. Lancaster County could get $68 million of jail, road, park upgrades. Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. An excellent location for fishing for crappie is behind the dam. I know this picture isnt the greatest, but tonight while walking around the lake in our neighborhood we saw this 3 to 4 foot thing moving in the water. Lake Wylie is an artificial reservoir, so likely, the bottom of the Lake is mainly composed of sediment and rocks. Lake norman has 49.81 square miles while lake wylie has 21 square miles. Channel catfish are healthy fish and can be found all around the Lake. The wake it made was enormous! Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? 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 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. The image uploaded by Jessica Plate to social media site Nextdoor. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. 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. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses. The two returned to the spot April 9 in preparation for a tournament this weekend. South Carolina resident Jessica Plate posted a photograph to social media site Nextdoor recently that has some speculating about a monster in Lake Wylie. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? We just watched, she said. And other interesting facts. We believe thats the size when they were put in there, Medford said. Medford said its likely someone released the gator into Lake Wylie. There is no definitive answer to this question. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Lake Wylie is a census-designated place located in York County, South Carolina. The children are scared to death," said Orr. As in the case with the infamous Loch Ness monster, proof has never been found of anything large or monstrous in the river, though alligators have been found occasionally in the Catawba. The Lake is also famous for water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming. 6 biologist, said he doesnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. The Singular Fortean Society (Tobias & Emily Wayland) 2016-2020. 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. Also it probably won't make it through winter. [3] This dam impounded the Catawba River and created Lake Catawba, which was utilized to create hydro-electric power. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. 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. York County, tri-county unemployment hit milestone numbers with coronavirus uptick. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. "It looked . In conclusion alligators are not going to invade lake Wylie so there is no reason to be worried. 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. Baits such as worms, artificial lures, and fly fishing can all be used to catch Spotted bass. Catfish and Shad are familiar food sources for largemouth bass, making this spot ideal for fishing with bait and lures replicating these foods. [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]. 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 truth is, Alligators do not live in Lake Wylie. Beautiful home at the highly desired Cameron Creek commu. The South Fork River and Catawba River confluence is now submerged under Lake Wylie near the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. We have visited Legg Lake Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area numerous times. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. 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. People may be scared about having an alligator in the lake but in all actuality it is only around 3 feet and won't do anything to humans. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. An Alligator was found on Lake Wylie on Sunday. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. He says alligators don't naturally inhabit the Lake, and doesn't know how the three got there, but has a theory. "The first sighting was Friday. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. 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. This facility opened in August 1925, increasing the surface area of Lake Catawba from 668 acres (2.70 km2) to 13,400 acres (54.2 km2). The 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. 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. 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. Although they are not as popular as other fish, they can provide a tasty meal. "I can't really answer how it got here. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. All Rights Reserved. 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. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. 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.. I dont think itll mess with you.. 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. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. "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. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. His friend may be next. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. This story was originally published August 13, 2014, 10:00 PM.
