Residents of Chicago were treated to a rare sight on the Chicago River recently, as a giant snapping turtle was spotted basking in the sun.
Residents of Chicago were treated to a rare sight on the Chicago River recently, as a giant snapping turtle was spotted basking in the sun.
The turtle, nicknamed "Chonkasaurus" by locals, was lounging on rocks and a chain in the water.
The turtle, nicknamed "Chonkasaurus" by locals, was lounging on rocks and a chain in the water.
Joey Santore captured a video of Chonkasaurus and shared it on Twitter, noting the turtle's impressive size and the fact that it was thriving in a river that was once polluted.
Joey Santore captured a video of Chonkasaurus and shared it on Twitter, noting the turtle's impressive size and the fact that it was thriving in a river that was once polluted.
Santore expressed his delight at seeing the turtle and praised the efforts to clean up and restore the river.
Santore expressed his delight at seeing the turtle and praised the efforts to clean up and restore the river.
Chonkasaurus was spotted near Goose Island on the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Chonkasaurus was spotted near Goose Island on the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Common snapping turtles, like Chonkasaurus, are native to Illinois and can be found throughout the state.
Common snapping turtles, like Chonkasaurus, are native to Illinois and can be found throughout the state.
Snapping turtles are known for their impressive size and strength, with some individuals weighing more than 20 pounds.
Snapping turtles are known for their impressive size and strength, with some individuals weighing more than 20 pounds.
The presence of such a large and healthy turtle on the Chicago River is a positive sign for the health of the ecosystem.
The presence of such a large and healthy turtle on the Chicago River is a positive sign for the health of the ecosystem.
The Chicago River was once heavily polluted due to the discharge of industrial waste and sewage, but efforts to clean up the river have led to a resurgence of wildlife in recent years.
The Chicago River was once heavily polluted due to the discharge of industrial waste and sewage, but efforts to clean up the river have led to a resurgence of wildlife in recent years.
The sighting of Chonkasaurus is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and the impact that humans can have on the natural world.
The sighting of Chonkasaurus is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and the impact that humans can have on the natural world.
Locals are likely to keep an eye out for Chonkasaurus in the future, hoping to catch another glimpse of this majestic creature.
Locals are likely to keep an eye out for Chonkasaurus in the future, hoping to catch another glimpse of this majestic creature.