A Surprising Encounter with Nature’s Prehistoric Beast

For most, kayaking is a peaceful and relaxing activity. Whether you’re out in the open waters or paddling along a quiet river, the goal is often to enjoy the natural beauty around you. But for Shala Holm and her daughter Avery, their kayaking trip on the Mississippi River turned into a spine-tingling adventure when they encountered a creature that resembled something straight out of a prehistoric era.

While fishing near Brainerd, Minnesota, the pair was taken by surprise when a massive snapping turtle emerged from the water with its formidable bear-like claws, leaving them “freaked out.” What they had encountered wasn’t a mythical water monster, but rather a giant snapping turtle—a reptile known for its power and often feared for its strong bite.

In this blog, we’ll delve into their unforgettable experience, the nature of snapping turtles, and the implications of such encounters. Plus, we’ll explore the fascinating world of pre-historic creatures and how they continue to thrive in our world today.

Shala admitted that she and her daughter were ‘freaked’ by the creature. **Penn News**

The Unexpected Encounter on the Mississippi River

While most people would expect to encounter fish or maybe the occasional bird during a peaceful fishing trip, Shala and Avery’s experience was anything but ordinary. It all started when they were out fishing on the Mississippi River near Brainerd, a picturesque town in Minnesota known for its beautiful lakes and rivers. As they were quietly fishing, the sound of heavy breathing drew their attention.

According to Shala, her daughter Avery was the first to notice something unusual. “Mom, be quiet. I hear something breathing,” Avery said. The two women listened intently, trying to figure out the source of the noise. After a few moments of suspense, they were greeted by a sight they’d never forget—a massive turtle slowly swimming toward them, its large claws visible as it emerged from the water.

A Terrifying Discovery: The Giant Snapping Turtle

As the creature swam closer, the kayakers realized they were dealing with a snapping turtle, a prehistoric-looking reptile that can grow quite large. Known for their aggression, these turtles have powerful jaws that can easily snap through bones, and they are often feared for their ability to bite anything that comes too close to them.

Shala was taken aback by the size of the turtle, which she estimated to be about 29 inches across. She and her daughter were startled by the turtle’s approach. “It took a while before we saw the nose of a turtle swimming toward the kayak. As it got closer, we saw how big it was,” Shala recalled. The turtle then dove beneath the kayak, locking onto their fishing basket with its clawed feet.

Shala’s reaction was a mix of awe and fear. “People asked if I was afraid, and I must admit at the time I was, which is kind of silly because I am bigger than he was and hopefully smarter,” Shala shared. But the close proximity to the turtle and its large claws made her nervous. She wasn’t sure whether the turtle was after the fish in their basket, or if it would try to climb into the kayak.

Why Snapping Turtles Are Known for Their Aggression

Snapping turtles, particularly the Alligator Snapping Turtle, are known for their powerful bite and fierce nature. These creatures can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. They are typically found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. Snapping turtles are ambush predators, waiting patiently for prey to approach before striking quickly with their powerful jaws.

With their prehistoric appearance and bear-like claws, these turtles are often seen as intimidating. Their large claws are capable of gripping onto objects with a vice-like strength, which is what caused Shala to fear that the turtle might latch onto the kayak or even pose a danger to her and her daughter. Although the chances of a snapping turtle attacking humans are low, their reputation for being fierce predators often leaves people on edge during such close encounters.

Shala’s story reflects the reality of encountering wildlife in its natural habitat. Snapping turtles can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh over 200 pounds, making them a sight to behold. Their aggressive behavior, especially when they feel threatened, makes them one of the most feared reptiles in North America.

A Heart-Racing Experience

In the midst of the tension, Shala managed to grab her phone and snap a few pictures of the creature, which seemed to be determined to get to the fish basket. “I was amazed at the size of his outstretched legs; his feet were the size of my fist and then add those nails!” she recalled. The turtle’s bear-like claws seemed like something out of a horror movie as they gripped the basket tightly.

However, the mom still wants to see it once more. **Penn News**

“I was afraid he might claw his way on top of the basket,” Shala continued. The mother-daughter duo didn’t waste any time—after a moment of hesitation, they shook their basket free and quickly paddled away to safety. Their hearts raced as they retreated, and though the encounter had left them shaken, it had also left them intrigued by the giant turtle that had given them such a fright.

Returning for Photos: An Unexpected Bond with the Turtle

Despite the initial fear, Shala and Avery decided to return the next day to capture more photos of the giant snapping turtle. This time, they were armed with more information and a sense of curiosity. Upon seeing the turtle again, Shala sent her photos to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, hoping to learn more about the turtle they had encountered.

To their surprise, the department responded, informing them that the turtle could be around 15 years old. Given the long lifespan of snapping turtles—some can live for more than 100 years—there’s a strong chance that Shala and Avery might encounter the turtle again on their next trip.

Shala, who had initially been frightened, now felt a sense of wonder and admiration for the ancient creature. “I hope to see him again next time,” she said. Snapping turtles like the one they encountered are considered a symbol of resilience, living through countless generations and thriving in environments that have remained largely unchanged for millions of years.

A Lesson in Respecting Wildlife

Shala’s experience serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. While it’s easy to become comfortable in the outdoors, it’s important to remain respectful of the creatures that call these environments home. Snapping turtles, like many other wildlife species, can appear intimidating, but they are simply acting according to their instincts. They are not looking for trouble—they’re just trying to survive.

If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, such as fishing or kayaking, make sure to learn about the wildlife in the area you’ll be visiting. Understanding their behavior and knowing how to react can help ensure your safety while also respecting the animals you encounter.

For more information on snapping turtles and how to stay safe around them, check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources link.

Social Media Reactions: The Viral Turtle Encounter

It’s no surprise that this story quickly went viral on social media. People on Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook couldn’t get enough of Shala and Avery’s close call with the massive snapping turtle.

A user on Twitter joked, “I thought the only thing I’d be fishing for was fish, not Jurassic Park creatures! #NatureIsScary #SnappingTurtle.”

Meanwhile, a Reddit user commented, “This is like a real-life horror movie! Imagine kayaking and suddenly seeing something this huge coming at you. #IWouldDie.”

Others praised Shala for her bravery, with one commenter writing, “Props to them for returning to take more pictures after that terrifying encounter. I’d be traumatized forever!”

The viral nature of this encounter highlights just how powerful and awe-inspiring wildlife can be, even in the most unexpected situations.

Conclusion: A Final Word on Snapping Turtles

Shala and Avery’s encounter with the giant snapping turtle on the Mississippi River is a reminder that nature is full of surprises. From their initial shock to their curiosity and admiration, the experience left them with lasting memories and a new respect for the creatures that inhabit the waters of Minnesota.

Next time you’re out on the water, keep an eye out for these prehistoric-looking creatures. Though they may seem intimidating, snapping turtles play an essential role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.

For those who are fascinated by these incredible reptiles, be sure to check out more on snapping turtles and their history on National Geographic.

Featured Image Credit: Pen News