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.”
Despite Chonk becoming a popular symbol of the rejuvenation of the Chicago River, public health officials in the area still urge residents to avoid activities like swimming since the waterway remains unsafe for recreation due to the presence of a dangerous type of bacteria known as fecal coliform.
The 156-mile Chicago River became a dumping ground for industrial waste by the early 20th century. Over the years, it was so polluted that it caught fire several times.
This pollution led to decreased levels of biodiversity in and around the river.
Since 1979, the environmental group Friends of the Chicago River has been working to improve the health of the Chicago River system. The group regularly cleans trash from the river such as plastic bags, disposable packaging and bottles.
Another culprit for the pollution in the river is Chicago’s combined sewer system which allows stormwater and wastewater to run through the same pipes. During storms, which are increasing in frequency and severity due to the climate crisis, treatment facilities are overburdened, dumping untreated sewage into the river.
Friends of the Chicago River is actively working to disinfect the river to substantially reduce the amount of bacteria discharged into the river from sewage treatment.
The recent spotting of Chonk and other animals like river otters and more fish species is a sign the river may be becoming less polluted.
