(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A massive snapping turtle is the talk of the town after being spotted on the Chicago River, and now a local expert is estimating the age of the critter affectionately known as “Chonkosaurus.”
“It was obviously a very large, very old turtle,” says Chris Anchor, a wildlife biologist with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
Yes, he’s seen Joey Santore’s footage of the massive turtle near the Division Street Bridge (Santore thinks the female weighs 60 pounds).
“Generally, you don’t see turtles like this unless they’re coming out of hibernation and trying to warm up in the sun,” Anchor tells WBBM Newsradio. “That’s what I assume was going on with this turtle. Or, they’re coming out of the water to lay eggs.”
He estimates the age of Chonkosaurus at between 40 to 50 years. Thanks to improving water quality, he says the turtle isn’t necessarily an anomaly in Chicago.
“I think we’re going to see more and more animals of this caliber in the future. It’s a great story.”
Anchor said the turtle is not in danger. He urged Chicagoans not to feed it if they’re lucky enough to spot it.
Related
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram