A huge 57-pound snapping turtle has broken a state record in Virginia.
The turtle was found in Henrico County, near Richmond, according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources on September 5.
Most common snapping turtles weigh around 25 to 30 pounds, but some can grow as big as 50 pounds or more, experts say.
These mostly water-dwelling animals are known for their strong jaws and can be aggressive, especially on land, where they feel more vulnerable, according to Britannica.
This particular turtle weighed nearly 60 pounds and had an 18-inch shell, officials said. Although its age is unknown, these turtles can live up to 70 years.
Their diet includes both water plants and small animals like fish, frogs, snakes, crayfish, young birds, and even other turtles, according to Virginia officials.
Even though the state doesn’t officially keep turtle records, this giant is being recognized as an official record.
A local sporting goods store helped weigh the turtle before it was released back into the wild near the James River, officials said.