South Dakota’s Largest Snapping Turtle Ever Recorded Weighs In at 44 Pounds
YANKTON, SOUTH DAKOTA — Wildlife officials have confirmed the discovery of South Dakota’s largest snapping turtle ever recorded — a mammoth 44-pound female that dwarfs the average freshwater snappers typically found across the state’s lakes and rivers.
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks officially documented the record-breaking reptile earlier this year, describing it as an “extraordinary example” of how large these ancient turtles can grow when environmental conditions are just right.
A Record-Breaking Find in Yankton
The massive turtle was discovered near Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery in Yankton, an area known for supporting diverse aquatic life.
To put the size into perspective, most snapping turtles in South Dakota weigh about 12 pounds and have shell lengths around 12 inches. This specimen, however, weighed nearly four times as much, setting a new benchmark for the species in the region.
Officials say the turtle’s size suggests an advanced age, as larger snapping turtles are typically older — some living well past 50 years in the wild.
“This is one of those rare finds that truly connects us to nature’s deep history,” said a local wildlife biologist familiar with the record documentation. “Snapping turtles are living fossils, and this female has likely been part of South Dakota’s ecosystem for decades.”
Living Fossils of the Freshwater World
Snapping turtles are among North America’s most powerful freshwater reptiles, recognized for their prehistoric appearance, strong jaws, and defensive temperament. Their lineage dates back over 90 million years, making them one of the oldest surviving species on the continent.
These turtles can live for several decades, often thriving in rivers, ponds, and marshes where they feed on fish, plants, and small invertebrates. Their adaptability and toughness have allowed them to remain dominant predators in freshwater ecosystems.
Female Giants and Nesting Habits
Interestingly, female snapping turtles tend to grow larger than males — a trait linked to reproductive success. During the warmer months, they venture onto land to lay eggs, often digging nests in sandy soil near water bodies.
“This time of year, people might spot these large females crossing roads or riverbanks,” officials advised. “It’s best to admire them from a distance and let them continue their nesting journey.”
A Reminder of Nature’s Hidden Giants
The 44-pound snapping turtle discovery underscores the ecological richness of South Dakota’s waterways — a habitat still teeming with remarkable wildlife despite modernization and environmental pressures.
For scientists and residents alike, this record-breaking turtle serves as a living reminder of nature’s resilience and mystery.
“Every once in a while, nature reveals something that stops you in your tracks,” said one Yankton resident who saw photos of the specimen. “It’s like a dinosaur still roaming our lakes.”
Wildlife officials hope the discovery encourages more people to appreciate and protect the region’s native aquatic life, from giant turtles to migratory fish and wetland birds.
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