Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. 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. 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. "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. Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. 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. And other interesting facts. "I know this picture. Never seen an alligator in the Catawba River, but the local media has reported alligator . Are There Alligators In Lake Wylie NC? Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. #Alligator found on #LakeWylieSC story at 5 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/g9iFgYouzb. Lake Wylie is located in South Carolina and is a reservoir that the Duke Energy Corporation created. Now the gators have taken up residence and Doctor Roberts says they could live there a long time. York County, tri-county unemployment hit milestone numbers with coronavirus uptick. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. Same exact log, same exact position.. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. South Carolina resident Jessica Plate posted a photograph to social media site Nextdoor recently that has some speculating about a monster in Lake Wylie. 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.. [1], In 1924, the Southern Power Company raised the level of the dam and built the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the original. An excellent location for fishing for crappie is behind the dam. The weekends are even more popular. 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. 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. Lake Wylie is a census-designated place located in York County, South Carolina. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. This time we visited on a Friday and there were lots of people there. Lake Wylie is about 30 miles east of Charlotte and 20 miles north of Rock Hill. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. It isnt close. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. 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 5-foot-long alligator has just been discovered on the Catawba River in Belmont, NC, just north of Lake Wylie. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. Same exact log, same exact position.. 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. Please, does anyone know what it was!. You can catch them with various baits and lures, but the water levels at Lake Wylie are constantly fluctuating, making the fishing difficult. 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.. 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. Lake Wylie is a great place to catch bluegill. Lake Marion is known for its abundance of big fish and incredible wildlife. I always thought it was a fib people told. 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. His friend may be next. Lake Wylie monster?" Channel catfish are one of the most common fish species to be caught there. He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. 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. 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. For the most part, if theyre there, people do detect them.. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. 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. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. 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. These creatures made their presence known by coming out of the water and sunning themselves on the rocks. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, said Medford, adding he doesnt expect it to grow much before winter. They are also a good choice for experienced anglers because they are usually well-behaved and can provide a lot of sport. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. The Singular Fortean Society earns a fee as an Amazon Associate for qualifying purchases. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. On Tuesday officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. 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. Bluegill can be caught using a variety of baits, such as worms, minnows, and even jigs. The best sites for bass include the dam and drop-offs in the main channel. The Catawba had legends of giant leechlike creatures that lived in the river. In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. Is there any truth to these stories? Also it probably won't make it through winter. We believe thats the size when they were put in there, Medford 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. But as Figueroa and his brother got closer, they saw the gator was dead. Lake Wylie is a 12,000-acre lake on the northern border of South Carolina, at Tega Cay. Medford said alligator bites are rare, and typically the concern is protecting small pets. We just watched, she said. York County coronavirus unemployment versus the Great Recession? But we stayed away from it.. The license type is Registered Nurse. It is a Charlotte, North Carolina suburb. He also urges anglers to move to another spot. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. Lake Wylie sits on a peninsula that runs along the edge of Lake Wylie, a reservoir named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie in 1960. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. 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. The alligator population has thrived in South Carolina in recent years - so much so, that a hunting season was instituted in 2008. "Clearly it's an alligator, three actually it looks like," said Dr. Roberts. 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. All Rights Reserved. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped because they arent native to the area. You can catch them using a variety of baits, but scavenging is the most common method. People are advised . 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. 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. "It looked . There is places to walk and jog. Mark Price has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1991, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. Lancaster County could get $68 million of jail, road, park upgrades. MLS# 3927733. It was rumored to have been first spotted alive on Saturday, and then discovered dead, floating in the water, just off highway 74. The communities surrounding Lake Wylie organise a plethora of yearly events, including water sports team events, live music festivals . Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. The Singular Fortean Society (Tobias & Emily Wayland) 2016-2020. Please, does anyone know what it was!. I also heard the lake is not very clean. 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. Simpson, others react on social media after Alex Murdaugh is found guilty, Strong storms, tornadoes possible in Midlands. 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. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. 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. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. 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 also fishing. 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. 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. Heres the list. Anglers can catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish at Lake Wylie. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator, according to WSOC-TV. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. 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). In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. This story was originally published December 30, 2019, 7:40 AM. Baits such as worms, artificial lures, and fly fishing can all be used to catch Spotted bass. Definitely will go back to the shore (with more people for evidence) to try and catch another glimpse! she told McClatchy. The state biologist said he went with and without the angler looking for the gator, but I never laid eyes on it.. 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.. We welcome stories and community members from anywhere people experience the impossible. River, water, and lake access. First of all, it's a great place to swim. Having lived in Lake Wylie for 11 years, Thomas said shes heard rumors about alligators in the lake. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. 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. However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. We started this blog as a place to go to when we had questions about buying our first home on the lake. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. 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. Giant snakes were not the only mysterious creatures inhabiting the river in the days before European settlement of the region. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. Read more top trending stories onwsoctv.com: 2023 Cox Media Group. An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. Are there crocodiles in Lake Murray SC? 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. There is no definitive answer to this question. We have visited Legg Lake Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area numerous times. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. 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. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. 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. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Anglers can obtain loaner tackle at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator. The largemouth bass is a widespread species of fish to catch in Lake Wylie. It definitely freaked us out.. 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. I spent time trying to catch it, but thought it was either caught or had moved, Medford said. You can buy your fishing license online now. 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. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely . 6 biologist, said he doesnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. 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. 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 Catawba Nuclear Generating Station is located on the south-western part of the lake, and draws its cooling water from the lake. This story was originally published April 9, 2015, 5:29 PM.