Turtle mistaken for alligator in Lake Norman

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Authorities said they think an animal believed to be an alligator in Lake Norman may actually be a spiny soft-shelled turtle.

Cornelius police said someone spotted the animal about 20 to 30 yards off-shore near Bowsprit Drive and Peninsula Club Drive shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Officers were called to the scene and said they spotted the animal through binoculars, but they said they are reasonably certain that it was a turtle.

The animal is estimated to be about 3 feet long.

Officers have now left the scene.

WSOC