Have you ever come face-to-face with a creature that seemed straight out of a movie? That’s exactly what happened to Shala Holm, a woman from Minnesota, when she encountered a massive snapping turtle in the Mississippi River. But don’t worry, authorities want to assure you that there’s no cause for alarm!
It all started when Shala and her daughter were kayaking near Brainerd at Niemeyer’s Rugged River Resort. Enjoying a peaceful day on the water, they suddenly heard something breathing. To their surprise, they saw a gigantic turtle approaching their kayak, with its claws stretched out towards a fish net.
Shala and her daughter were startled by the sight of this enormous turtle. They quickly shook the basket to scare it away, and the turtle swam off. But their curiosity got the better of them, and they returned the next day to see if they could spot the turtle again and capture a photo.
While waiting for the turtle’s return, they couldn’t help but notice the beauty of being so close to the water in a kayak. They always felt safe and in awe of the wildlife around them. Little did they know, their photo of the gigantic turtle would become an internet sensation!
The photo was shared by the resort owners, Corby and Sheila Niemeyer, on their Facebook page, and it quickly went viral. Thousands of shares and comments poured in, with people amazed by the sheer size of the turtle. Media organizations even reached out to Sheila, wanting to learn more about this unusual encounter.
But despite the attention the photo received, the resort owners want to emphasize that there’s no need to fear. The Mississippi River is home to a variety of wildlife, and encounters like these are not uncommon. Sheila advises against jumping to conclusions and believes that these creatures simply want to be left alone.
According to Erica Hoaglund, a wildlife specialist from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, snapping turtles are often misunderstood. While they may look intimidating and defend themselves when they sense danger, they are not hazardous to humans. In fact, they are more interested in avoiding encounters and will flee if given the chance.
As for Shala, the woman who started it all, she’s not scared at all. In fact, she plans to return to the same spot next year, hoping to reunite with her old pal. She has no doubts about the safety of swimming in the Mississippi River and encourages others to embrace the beauty of wildlife in nature.
So, what’s your take on this incredible turtle encounter? Would you swim in that river? Share your thoughts in the comments!
