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A Return to the Same River Location
Rather than avoiding the area after the surprising encounter, Holm and her daughter returned to the same location the following day.
They hoped the turtle might appear again, giving them another opportunity to observe it more carefully. Their patience was rewarded when the large reptile returned to the area near the kayak.
This time, Holm was prepared with a camera. She managed to take several close-up photographs as the turtle’s head and forearms became visible near the surface.
One of the images captured the creature reaching toward the fish basket. Its large claws, thick limbs and distinct facial features made the animal appear especially imposing.
The photograph gave viewers a rare perspective of a large snapping turtle in its natural habitat. Instead of seeing the animal from a distant shoreline, the image showed it only a short distance from the kayak.
Estimating the Turtle’s Impressive Size
The turtle was never removed from the river or physically measured, so its exact length and weight remain unknown.
Holm estimated that each of its front legs was approximately as thick as her wrists. That detail helped communicate the animal’s impressive size, even without an official measurement.
She believed the creature was a snapping turtle, a species known for its sturdy build, strong jaws and rugged appearance. Snapping turtles are also recognized as Minnesota’s largest turtle species.
Adult snapping turtles generally measure between 8 and 14 inches in length. Their typical weight ranges from approximately 10 to 35 pounds.
Some exceptional individuals can become much heavier. Rare snapping turtles have reached weights of about 65 pounds, demonstrating how large the species may grow under favorable conditions.
The turtle seen by Holm appeared mature and powerfully built. Its considerable size contributed to the attention the photographs later received online.