Latest news with #UrbanRivers
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Photos: The return of 'Chonkosaurus' the snapping turtle
The famed snapping turtle, dubbed 'Chonkosaurus' by internet commentators when pictures of her basking on a Chicago River pylon first went viral in summer 2023, reappeared earlier this week. The celebrity turtle and at least two companions spent the winter in brumation, a period of low activity akin to hibernation. Steven Meyer, of the nonprofit organization Urban Rivers, said a Shedd Aquarium employee caught the first conclusive pictures of the season, which show a notch in the back right portion of the reptile's shell. Meyer said three snapping turtles have recently been hanging out near Goose Island, making it more of a challenge to identify Chonkosaurus. Chonk and another large (but not as large) turtle known as Stagg have both been visible over the last week, he said, but he was only able to definitively confirm which turtle was which on Thursday.
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Chonkosauraus, famed massive snapping turtle, rises again from Chicago River
Temperatures may still be hovering in the 60s, but one more sure sign of summer's arrival has graced Chicago: Chonkosaurus has risen. The famed snapping turtle, dubbed 'Chonkosaurus' by internet commentators when pictures of her basking on a Chicago River pylon first went viral in summer 2023, reappeared earlier this week. The celebrity turtle and at least two companions spent the winter in brumation, a period of low activity akin to hibernation. Steven Meyer, of the nonprofit organization Urban Rivers, said a Shedd Aquarium employee caught the first conclusive pictures of the season, which show a notch in the back right portion of the reptile's shell. Meyer said three snapping turtles have recently been hanging out near Goose Island, making it more of a challenge to identify Chonkosaurus. Chonk and another large (but not as large) turtle known as Stagg have both been visible over the last week, he said, but he was only able to definitively confirm which turtle was which on Thursday.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The ‘South Branch Beaver' officially has a name
CHICAGO — The 'South Branch Beaver' now officially has a name. A contest was held by the environmental nonprofit Urban Rivers in February, and the results were announced Wednesday night. The beaver's name is Ida Beav Wells. According to Urban River, the name was democratically chosen by over 700 of its volunteers, and won by a landslide. The runner-ups were Plumpton Sinclair and Chewy Garcia. 'Plump' beaver is Chicago's newest viral sensation. Now, it just needs a name The beaver, who lives along the Chicago River, made headlines earlier this year after being spotted by Urban Rivers. Though many suspect Ida to be pregnant, researchers are unsure if the rodent is male or female. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Plump' beaver is Chicago's newest viral sensation. Now, it just needs a name
CHICAGO () — From Chance the Snapper to piping plovers Monty and Rose, Chicagoans love to name animals. But a new furry friend captivating the city online is without one. Environmental nonprofit Urban Rivers hopes to change that. The organization is seeking the public's help in naming the South Side semiaquatic rodent that has gone viral on social media. The unnamed beaver lives along the Chicago River. Sammie Clark, beaver researcher with Urban Rivers, joined WGN's Evening News at 6 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the contest and the uptick of beaver sightings. Though many suspect the beaver to be pregnant, Clark insists that researchers are unsure if the rodent is male or female. 'Seeing this individual looking so plump, especially this time of year, gives us hope that it could be the female pregnant again,' Clark said. 'Beaver juveniles stay with their parents for up to two years,' Clark told WGN's Ray Cortopassi. 'And we have been seeing a number of different beavers of various sizes here, so yes, it's been exciting to watch.' While Urban River's official research began last September, Clark says that the nonprofit has seen various beaver sightings since 2022. But is the population growing? It's a little too early to say, Clark added. 'They are breeding in the area, and we hope to see more of that this year. Hopefully, in about a year or so, we'll have some published information for people to follow along with,' she said. As for the naming contest, some unique, Chicago-centric names are already catching on, such as 'Dam Ryan' and 'Sigourney Beaver.' Still, Clark asks anyone interested to share their beaver names on Urban River's social media pages and other digital platforms. 'This has been posted by Stephen Meyer from Urban River on Reddit and a lot of people are weighing in,' Clark said. The nonprofit is also considering names for any baby beavers, known as kits, that may be born in the future. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Watch the entire interview in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
