This story was originally published December 30, 2019, 7:40 AM. 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 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. 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. 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. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into 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. The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. 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. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. 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. 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. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. Now the gators have taken up residence and Doctor Roberts says they could live there a long time. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. The alligator population has thrived in South Carolina in recent years - so much so, that a hunting season was instituted in 2008. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. Foxes, deer, alligators, hawks, egrets, wild turkeys and ducks all call the lake home. 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. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? One person who viewed the photograph suggested it was a big nasty snake.. 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. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. 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. 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. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap, Lake Jennings Fishing: San Diegos Best Kept Secret, How Do Fish Get to Inland Lakes? His tongue lolled out, and his wide, square jaw was open as if he was grinning ear to ear. 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.. I dont want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, she said. DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. 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Jacob Cannon. York County coronavirus unemployment versus the Great Recession? BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. However, because it is a popular fishing destination, much fish will likely be in the Lake. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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! 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. Fishing at Lake Wylie is easy, and youll be able to land some in no time. River, water, and lake access. Having lived in Lake Wylie for 11 years, Thomas said shes heard rumors about alligators in the lake. Does Wylie have alligators? Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. 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). First of all, it's a great place to swim. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. 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. This time we visited on a Friday and there were lots of people there. It is a Charlotte, North Carolina suburb. 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. He must live back there.. [Different Ways Fish Travel to Isolated Bodies of Water]. "I know this picture. The two returned to the spot todayin preparation for a tournament this weekend. #Alligator found on #LakeWylieSC story at 5 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/g9iFgYouzb. Wind advisory continues overnight, nearly 3,000 without power. ft. house located at 4075 Whittier Ln, Tega Cay, SC 29708 sold for $475,000 on Feb 27, 2023. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. "I can't really answer how it got here. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. There are peddle boat rentals on Legg Lake. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' 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 can't really answer how it got here. 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. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. Bluegill is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Plate asked in the photo's accompanying text. Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. The Lake is named after the Wylie family, who were the original owners of the land. [1], In 1924, the Southern Power Company raised the level of the dam and built the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the original. Jacob Cannon told Channel 9 he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's LoftinRiverfront park when he saw the reptile. The wake it made was enormous! 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. Captain Chris Nichols provides information on the best spots to catch them. Orella. "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. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. I spent time trying to catch it, but thought it was either caught or had moved, Medford said. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple . Medford learned of the gator, estimated to be about 20inches long, about two months ago when an angler contacted him with photos. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission District 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. 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. Lake Wylie is a census-designated place located in York County, South Carolina. Gator or monster snake? I got outta there," Cannon said. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. 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). 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. Plate told McClatchy news she wasnt aware of the river snake myth until she started reading the responses posted to the photo. York County, tri-county unemployment hit milestone numbers with coronavirus uptick. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. The state biologist said he went with and without the angler looking for the gator, but I never laid eyes on it.. How should a boat sit on a Trailer? South Carolina resident Jessica Plate posted a photograph to social media site Nextdoor recently that has some speculating about a monster in Lake Wylie. 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. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. It could've been released. 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. This story was originally published August 13, 2014, 10:00 PM. The license was issued on March 1, 2006 and expires on October 31, 2015. Anglers find these spots highly rated for catching this species of fish. MLS# 3927733. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. "I mean this is a beautiful lake and we can't even enjoy it. He says alligators don't naturally inhabit the Lake, and doesn't know how the three got there, but has a theory. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. Beautiful home at the highly desired Cameron Creek commu. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator, according to WSOC-TV. Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely . Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. [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]. Lancaster County could get $68 million of jail, road, park upgrades. 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. This story was originally published April 9, 2015, 5:29 PM. 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. There are also two towns that are located on Lake Wylie, including Tega Cay and Lake Wylie. We have visited Legg Lake Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area numerous times. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. Anglers can catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish at Lake Wylie. The image uploaded by Jessica Plate to social media site Nextdoor. "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. "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. Mark Price has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1991, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. After paddling to other coves they returned to see the gator still there. Giant snakes were not the only mysterious creatures inhabiting the river in the days before European settlement of the region. Neither lake, nor the Catawba River which connects them, has any indigenous alligators, although several alligators are found along the Catawba each year. 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. The Singular Fortean Society (Tobias & Emily Wayland) 2016-2020. I also heard the lake is not very clean. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. 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. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. 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. Lake Wylie monster?" 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. Same exact log, same exact position.. Allen Steam Station located on the northern part of the lake (west of Charlotte) also draws its cooling water from the lake. People are advised . they tried getting photos before the gator jumped off the log and swam toward shore. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. BELMONT, N.C. An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. 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. According to the SCDNR website, the American alligator, or Alligator mississippiensis, is the only crocodilian native in the Palmetto State. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. So needless to say we stayed in our kayaks. (805) 252-5894. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. But first, Thomas said. The registered business location is at 3001 Lake Terrace Drive, Wylie, TX 75098. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention The truth is, Alligators do not live in Lake Wylie. 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). In conclusion alligators are not going to invade lake Wylie so there is no reason to be worried. What is at the bottom of Lake Wylie? "Clearly it's an alligator, three actually it looks like," said Dr. Roberts. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. 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. Lake Wylie sits on a peninsula that runs along the edge of Lake Wylie, a reservoir named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie in 1960. Lake Norman has 533 miles of shoreline while Lake Wylie has 325 miles of shoreline. The wake it made was enormous! Please, does anyone know what it was!. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. Never seen an alligator in the Catawba River, but the local media has reported alligator . Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. "The first sighting was Friday. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. 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. Lake Marion is known for its abundance of big fish and incredible wildlife. 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.. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Anglers can obtain loaner tackle at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. We started this blog as a place to go to when we had questions about buying our first home on the lake. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' I always thought it was a fib people told. 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. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. There is also fishing. 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. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? 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. The average weight of a spotted bass caught in Lake Wylie is around 4 pounds, but the maximum size of spotted bass caught in Lake Wylie is approximately 22 inches long. 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. He also urges anglers to move to another spot. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. I got outta there," Cannon said. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. 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. There is places to walk and jog. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. (Jessica Plate). GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? Lake Wylie is home to a large number of white perch. The Lake is also famous for water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming. No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. "It's possible somebody was along the coast caught a few and thought it would be funny to throw them in there," said Roberts. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? Channel 9 was there Tuesday as officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. Lake Wylie is located in South Carolina and is a reservoir that the Duke Energy Corporation created. types of services we offer. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, said Medford, adding he doesnt expect it to grow much before winter. All You Need To Know. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. His friend may be next. There is no way, this creature was way too big! she said. Channel catfish are one of the most common fish species to be caught there. 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 communities surrounding Lake Wylie organise a plethora of yearly events, including water sports team events, live music festivals . He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. Lake norman is larger than the other lake. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. I dont think its posing a threat yet.. Medford said its likely someone released the gator into Lake Wylie. 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. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. White perch are a good choice for beginner anglers because they are easy to catch. Andrew Dys: 803-329-4065 . They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. You can catch them using a variety of baits, but scavenging is the most common method. 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.