Giant snapping turtle dubbed 'Chonkasaurus' spotted basking on Chicago River

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
CHICAGO (WLS) -- There was a quite a sight on the Chicago River Wednesday!

A couple of locals out enjoying the warm weather and sunshine caught sight of another majestic beast doing the same, a giant snapping turtle.
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Nicknamed "Chonkasaurus," he was lounging on some rocks and a big chain in the water.

Joey Santore shared video of Chonkasaurus on Twitter, writing, "Great to see this beast thriving here on what was once such a toxic river, but is slowly getting cleaned up & restored. Somebody planted a bunch of native plants up the river from here, too. I can only wonder this things been eating."

Santore said he spotted the turtle near Goose Island on the North Branch of the Chicago River.
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Common snapping turtles can weigh more than 20 lbs. They're native to Illinois and can be found all over the state.
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