Giant Snapping Turtle Spotted By Kayakers On The Chicago River

"Great to see this beast thriving here on what was once such a toxic river, but is slowly getting cleaned up & restored"

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• April 18, 2024

In cities, nature often seems like a distant memory, but urban waters can sometimes reveal surprising secrets. This truth came vividly to life recently in Chicago, where a pair of kayakers made a startling discovery that captivated the city and the internet alike.

While navigating the waters of the Chicago River, two local men stumbled upon an extraordinary sight—a giant snapping turtle basking in the sun. Captured on video, this rare encounter showcases the turtle in stunning detail, drawing awe and excitement not only from the kayakers but also from those who later watched the clip online.

The kayakers, speaking in thick Chicago accents, could hardly contain their amazement. "Take a look at this guy, see how big it is!" one exclaimed, pointing out the turtle they affectionately nicknamed the "Chicago River snapper."

The video, shared by Joey Santore on Twitter, has not only gone viral but also highlighted the positive outcomes of environmental efforts to restore the once heavily polluted river. "Great to see this beast thriving here on what was once such a toxic river, but is slowly getting cleaned up & restored," one of the kayakers commented in the video.

They speculated on the turtle's robust health and the possible abundance of native plants contributing to its diet, added upstream from their location. Local wildlife experts quickly took this opportunity to educate the public on the biodiversity of the Chicago River.

Margaret Frisbie, the Executive Director of Friends of Chicago River, pointed out that the river is "brimming with life," and home to various species including turtles, beavers, muskrats, herons, and nearly 80 species of fish. This vibrant ecosystem challenges the outdated view of the river as merely a polluted waterway.

Chris Anchor, a wildlife biologist with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, provided insight into the rarity of such a sighting. According to Anchor, while snapping turtles are not uncommon in these waters, they typically reside unseen at the bottom.

"What is pretty uncommon is a turtle of this size to be observed," he told NBC Chicago. Unlike their more visible cousins, the painted turtles or red-eared sliders, snapping turtles are rarely seen basking.

The kayakers' encounter with what they whimsically dubbed “Chonkosaurus” not only provided a thrilling experience but also served as a testament to the resilience of nature. It underscored the ongoing recovery of the Chicago River, a testament to the impact of sustained environmental restoration efforts.

"Chicago River snapper."

“Chonkosaurus”

Delighted to spot a Chicago River Snapper, aka Chonkosaurus, thriving in a formerly toxic river undergoing restoration.

“These turtles live on the bottom of the river and, unlike a painted turtle or red-eared slider, which are very commonly seen basking on rocks and whatnot, snapping turtles are almost never seen.”

"Giant snapping turtle dubbed Chonkasaurus spotted on Chicago River "

The story of the giant snapping turtle is catching on, and it’s making more people aware of the amazing nature that’s hidden right in our cities. Even with all the busy city life, nature can still thrive and bring surprises.

This story helps us remember to appreciate and look after the bits of nature we have in our cities.

Damjan