Did Madison resident capture a giant turtle near Mercer?
Residents near Mercer, Wisconsin, were left stunned by a massive snapping turtle sighting over the weekend. Dan Sodemann, of Madison, was kayaking on the western side of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage towards Big Island when he stumbled upon the colossal reptile.
According to Sodemann, he had hoped to photograph other, smaller turtles spotted nearby but was met with evasive habits. However, as he kept paddling, his attention was drawn to a particularly large snapping turtle.
"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it," Sodemann shared. "It was incredibly hard to capture a photo as it remained mere inches away from my kayak. When I finally managed to snap a shot, it was a sight to behold."
Upon returning to shore, Sodemann showed his girlfriend the impressive photograph, who inquired, "Is that real?" She subsequently sent the image to her parents, who own a nearby cabin, and eventually shared it with the lake association. The image was later posted on Facebook, garnering attention from wildlife enthusiasts across the region.
Although a precise measurement of the turtle's size remains unknown, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources herpetologist estimated the animal to be at least 40 years old based on wear patterns found on its shell. The turtle's colossal claws and oversized tail evoked a prehistoric aesthetic, further fueling the public's fascination.
Andrew Badje, a conservation warden, stressed the importance of such a mature turtle to the local turtle population, stating that older turtles contribute significantly to the successful egg-laying process in suitable habitats.
For those interested in sharing their wildlife encounters, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites observations, which can be submitted here: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/nongame/species/observations.html
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- Dan Sodemann's home-and-garden background might have prepared him for his encounter with the colossal snapping turtle; his passion for outdoor-living often sees him exploring the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, a perfect setting for his pursuit of unique wildlife.
- After the jaw-dropping experience with the giant turtle, Sodemann could envision his lifestyle intertwined with the local wildlife, with sports like kayaking and wildlife photography becoming even more exciting as a result.
