What you need to know about Chonkosaurus — Chicago’s big ol’ snapping turtle

This photo provided by Joey Santore shows a snapping turtle relaxing along a Chicago River. Footage of the plump snapping turtle relaxing along a Chicago waterway has gone viral after Joey Santore, who filmed the well-fed reptile, marveled at its size and nicknamed it “Chonkosaurus.” (Joey Santore via AP) ORG XMIT: ILHO101 (Joey Santore/Distributed by the Associated Press)

Earlier this month, Chicago was introduced to it’s latest wildlife obsession — a big ol’ snapping turtle caught sunbathing on the bank of the Chicago River near Goose Island.

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. Somebody planted a bunch of native plants up the river from here, too. I can only wonder this things been eating. pic.twitter.com/u6bhlpo4p5

— Joey Santore (@JoeySantore) May 6, 2023