12 May 2023 , 17:25
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A massive turtle dubbed 'Chonkosaurus' has been spotted relaxing in the sun by a once-highly-polluted river.
Kayaker Joey Cantore shared a video of the mammoth Snapping Turtle basking on a rusting chain in the middle of Chicago River in Illinois, US.
He wrote: "Chicago River Snapper aka Chonkosaurus. Great to see this beast thriving here on what was once such a toxic river, but is slowly getting cleaned up & restored.
He added: "Somebody planted a bunch of native plants up the river from here, too. I can only wonder this things been eating."
In the video you can hear some hilarious commentary from Mr Cantore: "That's a massive turtle...look at that beast.
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The moment 'Chonkosaurus' was spotted (@JoeySantore / Twitter)"Hey how ya doing guy? You look good, your healthy.
"You ever heard of liquid salad? That's a scene if there ever was one."
Throughout the massive turtle lazily watches the kayaker going past.
Mr Santore later told WBBM News the female giant snapping turtle appeared to be at least 60 pounds.
Wildlife biologist Chris Anchor said the "very old turtle" is likely between 40 to 50 years old.
The giant snapping turtle basking in the sun (@JoeySantore / Twitter)He also pointed out that fact it was basking in the sun is rare and is likely because the turtle had just emerged from hibernation.
Mr Anchor said: '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."
The species are found throughout Illinois but are rarely seen above water.
The creatures spend most of their time deep in the water waiting for prey. They will eat most things they can get their mouth around.
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Mr Cantore's video has had over 600,000 views as of May 12 and elicited a swathe of responses.
One nervous comment read: "This is why I don’t swim. Not even in pools. They’re crafty."
Another user reminisced: "My Father and I used to set bank lines back in the day and we would catch massive Snappers.
"Of course I was just a kid so I imagine they seemed prehistoric size but this reminds me of the ones we would catch back in the day."
One user was worried about Mr Cantore saying: "What part of the River were you in?! I’m just hoping that beast can’t snap through a kayak."