No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. Catherine Muccigrosso - cmuccigrosso@lakewyliepilot.com. One person who viewed the photograph suggested it was a big nasty snake.. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. Plate told McClatchy news she wasnt aware of the river snake myth until she started reading the responses posted to the photo. The nature center also has a pier where anglers can fish. We welcome stories and community members from anywhere people experience the impossible. There are peddle boat rentals on Legg Lake. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. Now the gators have taken up residence and Doctor Roberts says they could live there a long time. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. 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. 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. 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. The Singular Fortean Society earns a fee as an Amazon Associate for qualifying purchases. An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. Same exact log, same exact position.. People are advised . 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 truth is, Alligators do not live in Lake Wylie. Read more top trending stories onwsoctv.com: 2023 Cox Media Group. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely . An excellent location for fishing for crappie is behind the dam. Channel 9 was there Tuesday as officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. Please, does anyone know what it was!. "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. Medford learned of the gator, estimated to be about 20inches long, about two months ago when an angler contacted him with photos. 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. White perch are a good choice for beginner anglers because they are easy to catch. After paddling to other coves they returned to see the gator still there. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. 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. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. Lake Wylie has a range of fishing spots perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse!. At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!. Winthrop University Biology Professor Doctor William Roberts saysfrom the pictures and video hehas seen the ripples seem to be alligators. 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. 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He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. There is also place to ride bikes. 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. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. 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. 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. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, said Medford, adding he doesnt expect it to grow much before 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. Lake Wylie is about 30 miles east of Charlotte and 20 miles north of Rock Hill. 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. 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. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. Andrew Dys: 803-329-4065 . We believe thats the size when they were put in there, Medford said. 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. (Jessica Plate). The largemouth bass is a widespread species of fish to catch in 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. The children are scared to death," said Orr. 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. 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. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' Does Wylie have alligators? 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. 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. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. Its not dangerous, said Medford, who isnt planning to continue the search for it. However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. If its as cold as last winter, he almost certainly wont make it.. There are also two towns that are located on Lake Wylie, including Tega Cay and Lake Wylie. Why fans love it. His friend may be next. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. 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. Giant snakes were not the only mysterious creatures inhabiting the river in the days before European settlement of the region. There is no definitive answer to this question. 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. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. This story was originally published August 13, 2014, 10:00 PM. To report your own encounter with the impossible, reach out to us directly at the Singular Fortean Society through our contact page. 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. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. Although they are not as popular as other fish, they can provide a tasty meal. "It's possible somebody was along the coast caught a few and thought it would be funny to throw them in there," said Roberts. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. "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. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. I also heard the lake is not very clean. Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. Lake Norman has 533 miles of shoreline while Lake Wylie has 325 miles of shoreline. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. 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). DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. So needless to say we stayed in our kayaks. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. 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. 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. Lake Wylie is located in South Carolina and is a reservoir that the Duke Energy Corporation created. "Clearly it's an alligator, three actually it looks like," said Dr. Roberts. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. 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. "I can't really answer how it got here. 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. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. The two returned to the spot April 9 in preparation for a tournament this weekend. You can catch them with various baits and lures, but the water levels at Lake Wylie are constantly fluctuating, making the fishing difficult. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Are There Alligators In Lake Wylie NC? He must live back there.. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. I always thought it was a fib people told. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? Same exact log, same exact position.. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. How Deep is Lake Superior? 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. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. I dont want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, she said. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. Foxes, deer, alligators, hawks, egrets, wild turkeys and ducks all call the lake home. Contents 1 History 2 Other information 3 See also 4 References 5 External links History [ edit] Bluegill can be caught using a variety of baits, such as worms, minnows, and even jigs. 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. "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. Captain Chris Nichols provides information on the best spots to catch them. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. Lake norman is larger than the other lake. 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. I always thought it was a fib people told. 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. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. He also urges anglers to move to another spot. The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. Lake Wylie is an artificial reservoir, so likely, the bottom of the Lake is mainly composed of sediment and rocks. The truth is, Alligators do not live in Lake Wylie. Lake Wylie is a great place to catch bluegill. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. 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. An Alligator was found on Lake Wylie on Sunday. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in. The wake it made was enormous! He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. Jacob Cannon. "I don't want. Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Lake Wylie. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. The Singular Fortean Society (Tobias & Emily Wayland) 2016-2020. 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. Anglers can catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish at Lake Wylie. He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. His friend may be next. Wind advisory continues overnight, nearly 3,000 without power. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. On Tuesday officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention #Alligator found on #LakeWylieSC story at 5 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/g9iFgYouzb. [1], In 1924, the Southern Power Company raised the level of the dam and built the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the original. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. 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 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 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). Anglers can obtain loaner tackle at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. The South Fork River and Catawba River confluence is now submerged under Lake Wylie near the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. they tried getting photos before the gator jumped off the log and swam toward shore. Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. The state biologist said he went with and without the angler looking for the gator, but I never laid eyes on it.. Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. All Rights Reserved. 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. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. "I can't really answer how it got here. The license was issued on March 1, 2006 and expires on October 31, 2015. South El Monte, CA 91733. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. First of all, it's a great place to swim. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. Bluegill is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. [Different Ways Fish Travel to Isolated Bodies of Water]. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. 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. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. You can buy your fishing license online now. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. Why fans love 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. 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. types of services we offer. Lake Wylie is home to a large number of white perch. Anglers find these spots highly rated for catching this species of fish. 2. 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.