From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. According to the SCDNR website, the American alligator, or Alligator mississippiensis, is the only crocodilian native in the Palmetto State. Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. An Alligator was found on Lake Wylie on Sunday. I got outta there," Cannon said. The weekends are even more popular. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Anglers find these spots highly rated for catching this species of fish. "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. Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Lake Wylie. 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. Lake Marion is known for its abundance of big fish and incredible wildlife. There is places to walk and jog. In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. "It looked kind of like a lizard; it . It was rumored to have been first spotted alive on Saturday, and then discovered dead, floating in the water, just off highway 74. 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. This story was originally published August 13, 2014, 10:00 PM. 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. Please, does anyone know what it was!. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? In August, kayakers spotted a 2-foot gator near Copperhead Island. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. Giant snakes were not the only mysterious creatures inhabiting the river in the days before European settlement of the region. He also urges anglers to move to another spot. On Tuesday officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. Photo at South Carolina lake resurrects talk of tribal legend, (Jessica Plate (custom credit) | Jessica Plate), Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, Making breakfast burritos and cheater beans with Chef Elizabeth Barrick, Authorities searching for missing 12-year-old Gaston County girl, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video, Monsters of North Carolina: Mysterious Creatures in the Tar Heel State, though alligators have been found occasionally. Allen Steam Station located on the northern part of the lake (west of Charlotte) also draws its cooling water from the lake. You can catch them using a variety of baits, but scavenging is the most common method. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. 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. 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. 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. 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. So needless to say we stayed in our kayaks. Medford learned of the gator, estimated to be about 20inches long, about two months ago when an angler contacted him with photos. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Sold: 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2415 sq. Lake Wylie is located in South Carolina and is a reservoir that the Duke Energy Corporation created. A website is devoted to alleged sightings of it, which some say is a giant fish more than a monster snake. 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.. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties . Foxes, deer, alligators, hawks, egrets, wild turkeys and ducks all call the lake home. I read somewhere, maybe Wikipedia, that a few alligators have been found in Lake Wylie. 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. In 1905, the Catawba Power Company became part of the Southern Power Company. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray 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. Anglers can catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish at Lake Wylie. (Jessica Plate). CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator, according to WSOC-TV. However, some customers have reported seeing an alligator while fishing. It is a Charlotte, North Carolina suburb. 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. What lakes in north Texas have alligators? 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. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. 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. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission Dist. The two returned to the spot April 9 in preparation for a tournament this weekend. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. The registered business location is at 3001 Lake Terrace Drive, Wylie, TX 75098. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. Are there crocodiles in Lake Murray SC? 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. "I mean this is a beautiful lake and we can't even enjoy 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. Now the gators have taken up residence and Doctor Roberts says they could live there a long time. How should a boat sit on a Trailer? DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple . 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. The Lake is home to several fish attractors that can help anglers catch various fish. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. The bank around Lake Wylie is cleared of brush, which makes it easy for anglers to find their way around the Lake. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. First of all, it's a great place to swim. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. There is no way, this creature was way too big! she said. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. BELMONT, N.C. 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. Channel catfish are healthy fish and can be found all around the Lake. Are there snakes in Lake Wylie? Medford said its likely someone released the gator into Lake Wylie. All You Need To Know. Its small but can have a nasty little bite.. 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. 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. #Alligator found on #LakeWylieSC story at 5 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/g9iFgYouzb. The best spots for catfish include main channel points and drop-offs in deeper waters. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. 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. "Lake Wylie monster?" Jessica Plate posted with her photo. Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. We welcome stories and community members from anywhere people experience the impossible. Never seen an alligator in the Catawba River, but the local media has reported alligator . Jacob Cannon. Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. 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. His friend may be next. This expansive park features lakes . Beavers, muskrats, and otters were a few other guesses, Plate said. Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, said Medford, adding he doesnt expect it to grow much before winter. In 2000, officers found a gator in the. 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. [Different Ways Fish Travel to Isolated Bodies of Water]. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. 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. 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. An excellent location for fishing for crappie is behind the 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. 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. Mark Price has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1991, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. 05-06-2015, 02:58 PM CarolinaWoman : 10,109 posts, read 10,395,323 times Reputation: 8573. (805) 252-5894. Heres why some opposed that Panthers deal, and why York County approved it anyway. Read more top trending stories onwsoctv.com: 2023 Cox Media Group. Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. Lake Wylie monster? Jessica Plate posted with her photo. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. 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). South Carolina resident Jessica Plate posted a photograph to social media site Nextdoor recently that has some speculating about a monster in Lake Wylie. The license was issued on March 1, 2006 and expires on October 31, 2015. The lake has a surface area of approximately 13,443 acres (54.361 km2) with 325 miles (523km) of shoreline, and stretches from the Mountain Island Dam, south of Mountain Island Lake in North Carolina to the Wylie Dam on the south end of the lake. 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.