‘Giant’ creature — known for aggression and strong jaws — sets record in Virginia

A 57-pound “true giant” captured in Virginia has set a state record.

The massive snapping turtle was captured in Henrico County outside Richmond, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said in a Sept. 5 news release.

A 25-to-30-pound common snapping turtle is considered large, but they can grow up to 50 pounds or more, Virginia wildlife experts say.

The mostly-aquatic animals are known for their powerful jaws and aggressive nature that comes out more on land where they’re vulnerable, according to Britannica.

This specimen weighed just under 60 pounds with an 18-inch shell, officials said. While its age is unknown, the creatures can live up to 70 years.

Their diet consists of both aquatic plants and smaller animals, including fish, frogs, snakes, crayfish, young birds and other turtles, Virginia officials say.

The state’s wildlife agency said it doesn’t keep state records for turtles, but this “Godzilla” is going in the books as an “official” record.

A local sporting goods store helped weigh the “magnificent animal” before it was released back into the wild near the James River, officials said.

This story was originally published September 6, 2024 at 4:54 PM with the headline "‘Giant’ creature — known for aggression and strong jaws — sets record in Virginia."