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  • Axios Richmond

    Record-setting "Godzilla" of a snapping turtle caught and released in Henrico

    By Karri Peifer,

    4 hours ago

    The largest snapping turtle ever recorded in the state was caught last month in the James River, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources .

    Why it matters: The 57-pound "Godzilla" was caught — and released — in Henrico County, just off Curles Neck Farm .


    The big picture: Godzilla, as the wildlife folks dubbed him, is roughly twice the size of what would be considered a large snapping turtle, according to DWR, making him a true ... well, Godzilla.

    • In addition to his just-under-60-pound weight, the freshwater snapper boasts an 18-inch shell, which is also unusually large.
    • His age is unknown, but snapping turtles can live up to 70 years, per DWR.

    Fun fact: The largest common snapping turtle in the world is Big Snap Daddy , a 98-pounder with an objectively cooler name than Godzilla.

    • Big Snap was just 50 pounds when he was caught in the wild in Nebraska in 1994 before doubling in size. He's now at least 90 years old.

    The latest: Godzilla was released back into the James soon after he was caught where he'll live out the rest of his massive, snapping turtle days.

    • Don't fret if you encounter him while swimming; the species is not known to be aggressive ... in the water. On land is another matter, but we're pretty sure you can out-run him.
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