Posted on 05/12/2023 12:19:54 PM PDT by Red Badger
In a rare and hilarious sighting, a giant snapping turtle was caught on video in the Chicago River.
This video is going viral and for good reason!
This isn't your average snapping turtle. This big boy has been dubbed "Chonkosaurus," and the guy who caught it on camera just made my day.
Joey Santore was kayaking with his friend last weekend when they spotted the turtle sunbathing on some rusty chains and rotting logs – in pure bliss and relaxation.
Santore was stunned, so he started filming, and his commentary was just perfect.
Look at this guy. We got a picture of this most beautiful sight. Look at the size of that [Flowerbedding] thing... Look at that beast. Hey, how ya doing guy? You look good. You're healthy.
Check it out:
VIDEO AT LINK.................. (Language warning! He was just so excited.)
You look good! I'm really proud of ya.
He's thick but strong!
The jumpy, fun, and excitable commentary is the cherry on top, but what makes the sighing so rare is the apparent size of the turtle.
Chief wildlife biologist with Forest Preserves of Cook County, Chris Anchor, told WMAQ-TV that the turtle is quite rare considering its size calling it "a very large individual" and that it's unusual for the reptiles to be seen basking along rivers.
Anchor believes the turtle recently emerged from hibernation and was enjoying some fresh air and sunshine. He also took a little stab at the reptile for not being a picky eater.
So my guess is that this animal had crawled out of the river to try and gather as much heat as it could in the sunshine.
Turtles this big will consume anything they can get their mouth around.
Enjoy it. Leave it alone.
Fantastic! I love turtles
Joey Santore sounds like he’s from the Bronx.
oldage mutant chonky turtles
Maybe we could get a few Congress critters to go take a close look at him/her/them.
Kayaking on the Chicongo river?
Is that like taking a dip in your cesspool?
Lol
Was hoping he could get in a “Over by dair”. I grew up in Chicago and that guy has the quintessential accent. Ah, jeeze. Tell yer mahm I sez hi.
Ooooh. Aaaaaaaaaah.
Chonko says your boat looks tasty
This guy is probably over 100 years old.
How did he survive that long in the Chicago River?
He must have immunity to EVERYTHING!
I might’ve seen that turtle in a Walmart store lately, thinking it was one of the usual customers.
GEEZ! Reminds me of our current Governor Fatass. I think the turtle could do a better job in Springfield.
During my daily walks by the Rock River, this year I have seen a large number of turtles, for the first time. I’m pretty sure that they’re not snapping turtles, but they are at least 50-60 yards from my closest vantage point.
This is the first year I have seen them, there are at least a couple dozen sunning themselves on some logs. A few are, I’m guessing, 12-16 inches in length.
Nowhere near the size of this bad boy. Snapasaurus Rex!
I love turtles too. Biggest snapper we ever caught has a shell 38 inches long and his head was 4 inches across. He tasted good.
Do not place your finger or arm or foot anywhere near this turtle. You probably won’t get them back, at least not all in one piece. Snapper look sluggish but they can move very quickly when something looks good to eat.
I live a good ways north of this guy. I remember when all the sportsmans clubs would rent a bar or supper club for the annual all you can eat turtle frys.
Turtle, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, saurkraut, sometimes another vegetable like peas, and knee caps.
The fancy places had chocolate knee caps. No one ever ate the chocolate ones, they were just there to tell you that you were enjoying a fine dining experience.
I really miss that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.