Massive Turtle Surfaces in Mississippi River, Social Media Goes Wild

A mother and daughter set out to catch some freshwater fish on the Mississippi River in their tandem kayak, but instead encountered an enormous snapping turtle with a prehistoric-looking head. They saw the turtle again the next day, with Shala Holm capturing a photo as it reached for their basket of fish. The image quickly went viral, leading to apprehension about swimming in the river.

Discovering a Massive Turtle in the Mississippi River

During their regular July vacation at Niemeyer’s Rugged River Resort, the Holm family was taken aback by this massive turtle while fishing. “My daughter suddenly said, ‘Mom, listen. I hear something breathing,’” Holm recounted[^1^]. Looking toward the shore expecting a beaver or deer, they were taken by surprise when a turtle’s nose emerged. The turtle clawed at their fish net, and though its weight made it challenging, Holm managed to shake it off and paddle away safely[^2^].

Determined to see it again, they returned the next day, and Holm took now-viral photos. From the close proximity of the kayak, she couldn’t specify its species and size but believed it to be a snapping turtle, Minnesota’s largest turtle variety. “His hand was as large as mine,” she described[^3^].

After sending the snapshot to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), they estimated the turtle’s age to be at least 15 years, possibly 30. While adult snapping turtles are usually 8 to 14 inches long and range between 10 to 35 pounds, the largest recorded in Minnesota weighs 65 pounds. “You don’t often see them as they live mostly underwater,” stated Lori Naumann, Non-Game Wildlife Specialist at the DNR[^3^].

“Look at This Turtle!”

Holm also shared the picture with Sheila Niemeyer of the Rugged River Resort. The image, posted on their Facebook page after Niemeyer rediscovered it in old emails, got shared over 5,000 times and attracted a thousand comments, including another photo from Holm with the turtle’s head above water.

While turtles are frequent near the resort, which is nestled north of Brainerd on a serene stretch of the Mississippi, witnessing one this large was a rare event. “Every June, turtles come ashore to lay eggs,” Niemeyer noted, “It’s a favorite activity for us to observe.” This sighting, however, was extraordinary.

To Swim or Not to Swim

Although familiar with reptiles in the area, the photo had some commenters vowing to avoid the river. “Remind me never to swim there,” someone wrote. Despite their intimidating looks, snapping turtles prefer solitude and pose little threat to humans. They may act defensively if threatened but are not aggressive. In the water, they are particularly passive, choosing to evade rather than confront.

Despite some concerns, many were fascinated by the turtle’s location, including Holm herself, who plans to return next year. “I’m curious to see if it’s still around,” she said. One person suggested feeding the “poor guy” who appeared to think they were stealing its food, to which Holm responded with optimism, “Good idea, maybe next time we’ll be less alarmed in the kayak!”