‘Look at that beast’: Huge 60-pound snapping turtle named ‘Chonkosaurus’ is spotted relaxing in the Chicago River
- The giant snapping turtle was spotted on the Chicago River by a pair of kayakers
- Kayaker Joey Santore named the turtle ‘Chonkosaurus’ and filmed it basking
This is when a giant snapping turtle called the “chonkosaurus” was seen relaxing in the sun in an Illinois river.
The footage, taken by kayaker Joey Cantore, shows the 60-pound beast basking on a pair of rusting chains in the middle of the Chicago River.
Cantore posted the video to Twitter and dubbed the turtle “Chicago River Snapper aka Chonkosaurus.”
In the video, Mr. Santore can be heard saying in a thick Chicago accent, “Look how big that thing is! Look at that beast!’
Unconcerned, the plump turtle, which showed flesh folds far beyond its shell, lay there and watched the kayakers go by.
The footage, taken by kayaker Joey Cantore, shows a giant snapping turtle relaxing on a set of rusting chains above rotting logs on the Chicago River
You hear Mr. Santore say, “Look at this man. We got a picture of this most beautiful face.
“Look how big that… thing is. Look at that beast. Hey, how are you guys? You look good. You are healthy.’
He joked, “You look good! I’m really proud of you. Did you eat healthy? Ever heard of liquid salad? We did. We should take him out to dinner.’
Mr Santore later told WBBM News that the female giant snapping turtle weighed at least 60 pounds.
And wildlife biologist Chris Anchor said the “very old turtle” is believed to be 40 to 50 years old.
He added that it was unusual for the reptiles to bask along rivers, but they likely emerged from hibernation recently.
Mr. Anchor said, ‘So I guess this animal had crawled out of the river to try to get as much heat as possible in the sun.
He also warned that turtles his size can “consume anything they can put their mouths on” and said people should not disturb them if they encounter them.
You hear Mr. Santore say, “Look at this man. We have a picture of this most beautiful face’
Wildlife biologist Chris Anchor said the “very old turtle” is estimated to be 40 to 50 years old
He also warned that turtles his size can “consume anything they can get their mouths around”
The species is found throughout Illinois, but is not often seen above water, according to Friends of the Chicago River
The species is found throughout Illinois, but is not often seen above water, according to Friends of the Chicago River.
Instead, the creatures spend most of their time at the bottom of the water, waiting for prey.
The video has been viewed more than half a million times on Twitter as of Friday, May 12.
One user wrote: ‘This is why I don’t swim. Not even in swimming pools. They are cunning.’
Another added, “What part of the River were you in?! I just hope that beast can’t break through a kayak.”
And another complimented, “Joey, it’s your comment that makes this whole thing feel like sunshine to my soul. Thanks for sharing!’
