“A large snapping turtle dubbed “Chonk” has become a viral favorite of Chicago residents after the enormous reptile has been spotted repeatedly lounging by the once-toxic Chicago River.
““Look at the size of that thing!” Joey Santore said as he filmed “Chonkosaurus”, or “Chonk”, as the giant creature lay atop of what appears to be an old rusty chain and tree snags.
“Chris Anchor, a wildlife biologist with the Forest Preserve District of Cook county, told local NBC affiliate Chicago5, that while snapping turtles are common in the Chicago River, this one is quite rare.
“Anchor said: “What is uncommon is that a turtle of this size is actually observed. These turtles live on the bottom of the river. And unlike a painted turtle or veteran slider, which are very commonly seen basking on rocks and whatnot, snapping turtles are almost never seen.””
Read more at The Guardian
