{"id":488,"date":"2025-07-14T23:24:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T23:24:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topstoryus.com\/?p=488"},"modified":"2025-07-14T23:24:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T23:24:50","slug":"river-monster-with-enormous-bear-like-claws-terrifies-mother-and-daughter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topstoryus.com\/?p=488","title":{"rendered":"River \u2018monster\u2019 with enormous \u2018bear-like\u2019 claws terrifies mother and daughter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Surprising Encounter with a Giant Snapping Turtle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Authorities have reassured the public not to worry despite reports of a monster in the Mississippi River. Imagine standing just a few feet away from such a beast in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shala Holm, from Buffalo, Minnesota, recently gained widespread attention for her photo of a large snapping turtle. Holm encountered this turtle while kayaking with her daughter at Niemeyer\u2019s Rugged River Resort near Brainerd. Holm recounted, \u201cMy daughter all of a sudden said, \u2018Mom, be quiet. I can hear something breathing.\u2019\u201d They were astonished to see the turtle clawing onto a fish basket hanging from their kayak. Holm shook the basket, causing the turtle to swim away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Viral Photo and Its Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Returning the next day, Holm managed to photograph the turtle. Adult snapping turtles typically measure 8 to 14 inches long and weigh 10 to 35 pounds, but the largest in Minnesota weighed 65 pounds. Experts estimated the turtle in Holm\u2019s photo to be at least 15 years old. The resort\u2019s owners shared Holm\u2019s photo on Facebook, where it went viral. Many commenters expressed disbelief, but resort owner Sheila Niemeyer confirmed, \u201cIt really is [real].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Snapping Turtles: Misunderstood Creatures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Erica Hoaglund from the Minnesota DNR clarified that snapping turtles, though they appear \u201cscary,\u201d are not hazardous. They prefer to avoid encounters and only defend themselves when they feel threatened. \u201cThey really just want to avoid being encountered, and will hide and flee if given half a chance,\u201d Hoaglund explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Returning to the Spot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Holm plans to revisit the resort next year, hoping to see the turtle again. Despite some Facebook users advising against swimming in the river, Holm remains unphased. \u201cI\u2019m going to go back to that spot next year and see if he or she is still around,\u201d she said. Would you swim in that river? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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