This is the moment a giant snapping turtle dubbed the ‘chonkosaurus’ was spotted relaxing in the sun in an Illinois river.

The footage, captured by kayaker Joey Cantore, shows the 60lb beast basking on a set of rusting chains in the middle of Chicago River.

Mr Cantore posted the video to Twitter and dubbed the turtle ‘Chicago River Snapper aka Chonkosaurus’.

In the video, Mr Santore can be heard saying in a thick Chicago accent ‘Look at the size of that thing! Look at that beast!’

Unconcerned, the plump turtle, which was displaying folds of flesh well beyond its shell, lay there and watched as the kayakers went past.

The footage, captured by kayaker Joey Cantore, shows a giant snapping turtle relaxing on a set of rusting chains over rotting logs on the Chicago River

Mr Santore can be heard saying: ‘Look at this guy. We got a picture of this most beautiful sight.

‘Look at the size of that … thing. Look at that beast. Hey, how ya doing guy? You look good. You’re healthy.’

He joked: ‘You look good! I’m real proud of ya. You been eating healthy? You ever heard of liquid salad? We’ve been doing that. We should take him out to eat.’

Mr Santore later told WBBM News the female giant snapping turtle was at least 60 pounds.

And wildlife biologist Chris Anchor said the ‘very old turtle’ is believed to be 40 to 50 years old.

He added it was unusual for the reptiles to be seen basking along rivers, but it probably recently emerged from hibernation.

Mr Anchor said: ‘So my guess is that this animal had crawled out of the river to try and gather as much heat as it could in the sunshine.

He also warned turtles of its size can consume ‘anything they can get their mouth around’ and said people shouldn’t disturb them if encountered.

Mr Santore can be heard saying: ‘Look at this guy. We got a picture of this most beautiful sight’

Wildlife biologist Chris Anchor said the ‘very old turtle’ is believed to be 40 to 50 years old

He also warned turtles of its size can consume ‘anything they can get their mouth around’

The species are found throughout Illinois, but they’re not often seen above water, according to Friends of the Chicago River

The species are found throughout Illinois, but they’re not often seen above water, according to Friends of the Chicago River.

Instead, the creatures spend most of their time at the bottom of water waiting for prey.

The video has amassed more than half a million views on Twitter as of Friday May 12.

One user wrote: ‘This is why I don’t swim. Not even in pools. They’re crafty.’

Another added: ‘What part of the River were you in?! I’m just hoping that beast can’t snap through a kayak.’

And another complimented: ‘Joey, it’s your commentary that makes this whole thing feel like sunshine to my soul. Thank you for sharing!’