A 57-pound snapping turtle was found in the waters of Curles Neck Plantation in Henrico County

Snapping TurtlePhoto bydwr.virginia.gov screenshot

WRIC 8 News reported that a huge snapping turtle was found in the waters of Curles Neck Plantation in Henrico County.

About the turtle

The snapping turtle has affectionately been named “Godzilla” because of its gigantic size.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reads:

“The snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is Virginia’s largest species of freshwater turtle,” On average, 25-30 lbs. would be considered a large ‘snapper.'”

“Godzilla” weighed an astonishing 57 pounds, with a carapace length of 18 inches. This particular turtle’s age is unknown, but the maximum lifespan for the species is around 70 years.

Man holding 57-pound snapping turtlePhoto byCourtesy of Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources on Facebook

The Facebook post reads:

“Although DWR typically does not maintain size records for turtles, this one will definitely be recorded as the ‘official state record. Huge thank you to the folks at Green Top Sporting Goods for weighing in this magnificent animal.”

After his photoshoot and weighing, Godzilla was released back into the same waters of Curles Neck Plantation in Henrico County to live out the rest of its days.

More information about snapping turtles can be found on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.