There is no way, this creature was way too big! she said. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on 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. There are also two towns that are located on Lake Wylie, including Tega Cay and Lake Wylie. 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. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? Giant snakes were not the only mysterious creatures inhabiting the river in the days before European settlement of the region. Fisherman Carson Orellana and friend Chris Carnes shared this video with Lake Wylie Pilot of an alligator spotted April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' No, there are no alligators in Lake Wylie. "I don't want. Are There Alligators In Lake Wylie NC? Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. 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. Does Wylie have alligators? Lake Wylie is home to a large number of white perch. What is at the bottom of Lake Wylie? LAKE WYLIE Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. What lakes in north Texas have alligators? In conclusion alligators are not going to invade lake Wylie so there is no reason to be worried. The South Fork River and Catawba River confluence is now submerged under Lake Wylie near the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. Are there snakes in Lake Wylie? In 2000, officers found a gator in the. All Rights Reserved. Bluegill is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. 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 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. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. 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. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. Same exact log, same exact position.. Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. The Southern Power Company was merged with Duke Power Company in 1927. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. Gator or monster snake? Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. You can catch them with various baits and lures, but the water levels at Lake Wylie are constantly fluctuating, making the fishing difficult. "I mean this is a beautiful lake and we can't even enjoy it. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. "I know this picture. Contents 1 History 2 Other information 3 See also 4 References 5 External links History [ edit] I dont think itll mess with you.. 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. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. (805) 252-5894. Anglers find these spots highly rated for catching this species of fish. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. 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). Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. The Catawba Nuclear Generating Station is located on the south-western part of the lake, and draws its cooling water from the lake. 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. "Is this your boy?" However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. 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). Yes, catfish are biting at Lake Wylie. 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. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. 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. An excellent location for fishing for crappie is behind the dam. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. People are advised . In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. 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. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. But first, Thomas said. wildlife control services; wildlife removal; wildlife remediation; wildlife prevention One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. The next day, Antonio Figueroa and his brother were fishing on their kayaks when they spotted the gator. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. 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. Read more top trending stories onwsoctv.com: 2023 Cox Media Group. Lake Wylie sits on a peninsula that runs along the edge of Lake Wylie, a reservoir named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie in 1960. [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]. The best sites for bass include the dam and drop-offs in the main channel. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. There are peddle boat rentals on Legg Lake. Medford learned of the gator, estimated to be about 20inches long, about two months ago when an angler contacted him with photos. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. 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 got outta there," Cannon said. BELMONT, NC (WTVD) -- An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. 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. Jacob Cannon told Channel 9 he was hanging out with friends Saturday night at Belmont's LoftinRiverfront park when he saw the reptile. 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 monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. they tried getting photos before the gator jumped off the log and swam toward shore. His friend may be next. [3] This dam impounded the Catawba River and created Lake Catawba, which was utilized to create hydro-electric power. 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. Channel catfish are healthy fish and can be found all around the Lake. "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. Although they are not as popular as other fish, they can provide a tasty meal. The children are scared to death," said Orr. This time we visited on a Friday and there were lots of people there. Lake Wylie is a 12,000-acre lake on the northern border of South Carolina, at Tega Cay. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. South El Monte, CA 91733. 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. 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 popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 8,841. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. ft. house located at 4075 Whittier Ln, Tega Cay, SC 29708 sold for $475,000 on Feb 27, 2023. 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. I spent time trying to catch it, but thought it was either caught or had moved, Medford said. 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. If its as cold as last winter, he almost certainly wont make it.. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. 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. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. A 5-foot-long alligator has just been discovered on the Catawba River in Belmont, NC, just north of Lake Wylie. And other interesting facts. Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. 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. To report your own encounter with the impossible, reach out to us directly at the Singular Fortean Society through our contact page. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Catfish and Shad are familiar food sources for largemouth bass, making this spot ideal for fishing with bait and lures replicating these foods. "It's possible somebody was along the coast caught a few and thought it would be funny to throw them in there," said Roberts. 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. 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. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? 49.81 square miles vs 21 square miles. Also it probably won't make it through winter. 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. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. I always thought it was a fib people told.