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. The nature center also has a pier where anglers can fish. But first, Thomas said. types of services we offer. 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. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in Belmont. About 60% of the 1,200 miles of shoreline are in SC, the other 40% in NC. Simpson, others react on social media after Alex Murdaugh is found guilty, Strong storms, tornadoes possible in Midlands. The Catawba Nuclear Generating Station is located on the south-western part of the lake, and draws its cooling water from the lake. From land, the alligators are difficult to make out, but the observers canmake out threedistinct separate ripples in the water. (Jessica Plate). 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. I always thought it was a fib people told. The South Fork River and Catawba River confluence is now submerged under Lake Wylie near the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. One of my twins had just jumped in the water to swim and gotten back on, said Christine Thomas. 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. Lake Wylie is a great place to catch bluegill. There is also place to ride bikes. Lake Norman has 533 miles of shoreline while Lake Wylie has 325 miles of shoreline. Lancaster County could get $68 million of jail, road, park upgrades. CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator. 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. 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. Lake Wylie is a popular spot for Spotted bass fishing. In 1905, the Catawba Power Company became part of the Southern Power Company. 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. According to the SCDNR website, the American alligator, or Alligator mississippiensis, is the only crocodilian native in the Palmetto State. Dr. Kwane Stewart asked as he walked toward the pair. (805) 252-5894. Its not big at all, but its definitely living there, said Carnes, 17, who lives on Lake Wylie. We dont want people feeding it, Medford said. 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. For the most part, if theyre there, people do detect them.. 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. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, he said. 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. 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 Marion is known for its abundance of big fish and incredible wildlife. Plate told McClatchy news she wasnt aware of the river snake myth until she started reading the responses posted to the photo. 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. Driver arrested after video shows him nearly hitting students at their school bus stop. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. Lake Norman is a little over twice as big. Channel catfish are one of the most common fish species to be caught there. Never seen an alligator in the Catawba River, but the local media has reported alligator . Wind advisory continues overnight, nearly 3,000 without power. Alligators are not native to the area and would not be able to survive in the cold water of the Lake. Its likely that little alligator is probably going to die here, said Medford, adding he doesnt expect it to grow much before winter. Lake Wylie is a reservoir or man-made lake in the U.S. states of South Carolina and North Carolina. We have visited Legg Lake Park and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area numerous times. 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. 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.. LAKE WYLIE Two fishermen got a shock April 5 while fishing on Lake Wylie. Lake Wylie is home to a large number of white perch. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 8,841. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. "I know this picture. SCDOT says these York, Lancaster and Chester county roads are up next for repaving. There are several fishing spots at Lake Wylie. This story was originally published August 13, 2014, 10:00 PM. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. The Southern Power Company was merged with Duke Power Company in 1927. And other interesting facts. They are also a good choice for experienced anglers because they are usually well-behaved and can provide a lot of sport. 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. 05-06-2015, 02:58 PM CarolinaWoman : 10,109 posts, read 10,395,323 times Reputation: 8573. I read somewhere, maybe Wikipedia, that a few alligators have been found in Lake Wylie. She thinks the sensible explanation is that it was an alligator, despite the fact alligators dont live in Lake Wylie. First of all, it's a great place to swim. To keep up with the latest news and events happening with the Singular Fortean Society, sign up for our monthly newsletter! The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped because they arent native to the area. You can find this fish on various baits, including worms, artificial lures, and baitfish. 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 alligator population has thrived in South Carolina in recent years - so much so, that a hunting season was instituted in 2008. I dont want anything to happen to the alligator, but I certainly dont want him on the lake, she said. Anglers can also catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and shad at Lake Wylie. It could've been released. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? Orella. 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. The license type is Registered Nurse. Anglers Carson Orellana and Chris Carnes trolled up on a 2-foot alligator sitting on a log near Copperhead Island Access Area. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. Pleasant Knoll, Gold Hill and the new Fort Mill Virtual Academy have seen leadership changes this summer. At first, I thought it was a dog or deer, shoot, maybe a scuba diver!. Lake Wylie is an artificial reservoir, so likely, the bottom of the Lake is mainly composed of sediment and rocks. I always thought it was a fib people told. A 4- to 5-foot-long, 45-pound gator was found dead in Lake Wylie near the Highway 74 bridge in. Same exact log, same exact position.. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. "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. 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. 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). But as Figueroa and his brother got closer, they saw the gator was dead. "It looked . I dont think its posing a threat yet.. If its as cold as last winter, he almost certainly wont make it.. [Different Ways Fish Travel to Isolated Bodies of Water]. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. Lake norman has 49.81 square miles while lake wylie has 21 square miles. 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. Biologists are investigating how the alligator died. The Singular Fortean Society (Tobias & Emily Wayland) 2016-2020. South El Monte, CA 91733. Giant snakes were not the only mysterious creatures inhabiting the river in the days before European settlement of the region. River, water, and lake access. There are also two towns that are located on Lake Wylie, including Tega Cay and Lake Wylie. Troopers obtain arrest warrants on driver who blew past the bus flashing red lights and stop arm. Beautiful home at the highly desired Cameron Creek commu. [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]. Lake Wylie, which does not have alligators, is a dammed section of the Catawba River, south of Charlotte. He must live back there.. Please, does anyone know what it was!. 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. [1], In 1924, the Southern Power Company raised the level of the dam and built the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the original. It was still in the same cove farther back, Thomas said. 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. Hes responded to fishing lures as if interested, Medford said. The average depth of the lake is just over 20 feet. 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. The Lake is also famous for water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. 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. The weekends are even more popular. 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. 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. 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. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. 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. Lake Wylie monster?" There is also fishing. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? 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.. Please, does anyone know what it was!. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely illegally dumped since they arent native to the area. Jessica Plate remains curious about whatever it was she saw and intends to keep investigating. We believe thats the size when they were put in there, Medford said. Plate told McClatchy news she wasnt aware of the river snake myth until she started reading the responses posted to the photo. 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. 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. One person who viewed the photograph suggested it was a big nasty snake.. The best spots for catfish include main channel points and drop-offs in deeper waters. 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 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said then the gators were likely . He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake. Bluegill can be caught using a variety of baits, such as worms, minnows, and even jigs. 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. People are advised . Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. BELMONT, N.C. An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. 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 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. 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. Carnes, a junior at Clover High School, started the York County High School Anglers club. Are there crocodiles in Lake Murray SC? Duke Power manages six public boat access areas on the lake. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. It could've been released. 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. DNR officials searched for the animal after residents reported multiple sightings. 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. In conclusion alligators are not going to invade lake Wylie so there is no reason to be worried. However, because it is a popular fishing destination, much fish will likely be in the Lake. "I know this is a lake and it's for all creatures but they're too close," said Orr. His friend may be next. Why fans love it. 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. 751 Santa Anita. "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. "One of my twins saw it sitting on a log," the father, James Thomas, said. cryptid, greys, high strangeness, lake michigan mothman, monsters, mothman, Loch Ness at Six "Official" Monster Sightings in 2022, Most Recent Photograph of "Ogopogo" Is Making Waves in Cryptid Community, 'Champ Search' Posts Video of Anomalous Sonar Return from Lake Champlain, Man Reports Childhood Encounter with Mysterious Aquatic Humanoid in Lake Erie, New Plesiosaur Discovery May Give False Hope to Nessie Fans, Video of Unidentified Object in Loch Ness Represents Fourth "Official" Nessie Sighting Report of 2022, Sonar Image of "Something Big" in Loch Ness Marks Second "Official" Nessie Sighting Report of 2022, Documentary Filmmaker Reports First "Official" Loch Ness Monster Sighting of 2022, "Loch Ness Monster" in London's Wimbledon Park Lake was Simply a Submerged Tree, Scientist Rejects Notion That the Loch Ness Monster Could Be a Plesiosaur, Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus to Blame for Recent Rash of UFO Reports, Video Surfaces of Deceased Bird Seemingly Suspended in Midair in British Columbia, Canadian Flight Crew Reports Anomalous Lights near Yellowknife, Canada, Witness Reports Group Sighting of "Large Man" with "Wings That Were Wider Than a Car" in Chicago's Little Village, Unidentified Flying Objects Shot Down over North America Fuel Conspiracy Theories in UFO Community, Trail Cam Photo of Hairy Humanoid Reportedly Taken in Pierce County, Washington, RAF Pilot Reports Near Miss with "Doughnut Shaped" UFO near Currock Hill in England, Multiple Witnesses Report Camouflaged Creature "Straight from the Movie 'Predator'" in Chicago, Man Reports Childhood Sighting of UFOs Flying in Formation over California, Man Reports Encounter with Red-Eyed, Insect-Like Humanoid in Evanston, Illinois. You can buy your fishing license online now. An unusual discovery was made in Lake Wylie on Sunday: an alligator. The truth is, Alligators do not live in 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). 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. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' I dont think itll mess with you.. I spent time trying to catch it, but thought it was either caught or had moved, Medford said. According to The Herald and Lake Wylie Pilot archives, DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. The image uploaded by Jessica Plate to social media site Nextdoor. Mountain Island Lake is fed by the Catawba River, and is the smallest of the three man-made lakes that border Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (Lake Norman, and Lake Wylie).Mountain Island Lake is managed by Charlotte-based company Duke Energy.The primary function of Mountain Island Lake is to provide drinking water for over 1 million residents of Charlotte and . Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. So we decided to create a place where we could gather all our concerns, and who knows, maybe we could also help someone else in our situation. There is places to walk and jog. "I don't want. Lake Wylie is a 12,000-acre lake on the northern border of South Carolina, at Tega Cay. Anglers can obtain loaner tackle at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. 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. Commenters on the photo had a long list of other possibilities. 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. 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. Its not dangerous, said Medford, who isnt planning to continue the search for it. Captain Chris Nichols provides information on the best spots to catch them. 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.. Which is better Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? 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. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. #Alligator found on #LakeWylieSC story at 5 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/g9iFgYouzb. Rupert Medford, N.C Wildlife Resource Commission District 6 biologist, said he didnt expect the alligator to survive through winter. "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. 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). GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? 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. Channel catfish are healthy fish and can be found all around the Lake. 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. In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. The license was issued on March 1, 2006 and expires on October 31, 2015. they tried getting photos before the gator jumped off the log and swam toward shore. Although the American alligator is native to North Carolina, it is not native this far inland. South Carolina resident Jessica Plate posted a photograph to social media site Nextdoor recently that has some speculating about a monster in Lake Wylie. In 2000, officers found a gator in the. The Singular Fortean Society is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, but operates globally. Lake Norman, another site near Charlotte created by damming the river, is said to be home to a creature called the Lake Norman Monster. Yes, catfish are biting at Lake Wylie. Medford said alligator bites are rare, and typically the concern is protecting small pets. Kayakers on Lake Wylie near Copperhead Island boat docks were surprised by a visitor spotted on a log earlier this month. The two returned to the spot April 9 in preparation for a tournament this weekend. They said gators are natural in the Catawba River near Lake Wateree, but getting that far past all of the dams is very unusual. Channel 9 was there Tuesday as officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. DNR officers nabbed an 8-foot alligator in August 2002 on Lake Wylie. All Rights Reserved. "All of a sudden he flew out his line and the next thing you know, it's a gator," Figueroa said. All You Need To Know. I also heard the lake is not very clean. Personally, Im not one to worry about that kind of stuff, he said. Ive heard a few people say theyve seen them on the lake. The two returned to the spot todayin preparation for a tournament this weekend. It was in the same exact spot, Carnes said. Cary man becomes 27th North Carolinian charged in Capitol riot. Does Wylie have alligators? In 2009, three 4-foot-long alligators were sighted near Elks Park Campground in Rock Hill, near Lake Wylie Dam. "Is this your boy?" 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. 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. Gator or monster snake? CHARLOTTE, N.C. A family out on Lake Wylie this week spotted an alligator, according to WSOC-TV. One person suggested it was a a big nasty snake, while another said it was nothing more than a floating log. 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. How Deep is Lake Superior? 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. A 5-foot-long alligator has just been discovered on the Catawba River in Belmont, NC, just north of Lake Wylie. 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. The communities surrounding Lake Wylie organise a plethora of yearly events, including water sports team events, live music festivals . So needless to say we stayed in our kayaks. This story was originally published April 9, 2015, 5:29 PM. It was rumored to have been first spotted alive on Saturday, and then discovered dead, floating in the water, just off highway 74. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. His friend may be next. Same exact log, same exact position.. "It was swimming out toward the bridge and just circling and I just said, 'That ain't no otter.' Last Saturday, she says she saw more alligators, three to be exact. The wake it made was enormous! 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. Medford said its likely someone released the gator into Lake Wylie. The state biologist said he went with and without the angler looking for the gator, but I never laid eyes on it.. He said while people who learn about the gator say theyll never swim in the lake again, Carnes isnt worried. We just watched, she said. Alligators are a protected species in South Carolina and it's illegal to kill them. 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. Most likely, they saw a log or another object resembling an alligator. Ive been fishing Lake Wylie for about 10 years, he said. Is there any truth to these stories? Lake Wylie, like its neighbor Lake Norman to the north, was created by damming the Catawba River. ft. house located at 4075 Whittier Ln, Tega Cay, SC 29708 sold for $475,000 on Feb 27, 2023. More than likely it was released but we don't know that," Cody Walker, with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, said. On Tuesday officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission pulled the alligator from the waters. Allen Steam Station located on the northern part of the lake (west of Charlotte) also draws its cooling water from the lake. 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. "It looked kind of like a lizard; it . GATOR FOUND: How did a gator get into Lake Wylie? We welcome stories and community members from anywhere people experience the impossible. He said he fishes about 200 days on the lake.