Everyone’s talkin’ about Chonkosauraus. The fat snapping turtle is back — spotted again after making a viral name for herself two years ago.
But Chonk isn’t the only critter that calls this transformed river home.
Chonkosaurus, as spotted by the Shedd’s Kayak for Conservation team. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)
🐢 The Wild Mile aka “Turtle Alley”
Chonk was discovered by kayakers on the Wild Mile, a new floating ecopark in Goose Island. Quickly, the area has gained the nickname “Turtle Alley.”
Chonkosaurus was probably born around the time Friends of the Chicago River began environmental efforts 50 years ago. In addition to snappers like her, you can also find painted and softshell turtles. The latter are especially sensitive to water quality, which indicates that clean-ups along the river are working.
No boat? You can access the Wild Mile boardwalk behind the REI on Eastman Street.
Painted turtles, the official reptile of Illinois, are common along the Chicago River. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)
🐠 Fish
Before European settlement in Chicago, river fish flourished. But as industry grew, local fish declined to the point that there were fewer than ten species left in the river in the 1970s.
Today, more than 70 species of fish thrive in the river. Among them:
- Channel catfish
- Bullfish
- Sunfish
- Bass
- Pike
- Eels
- Multiple forms of carp — but not invasive carp. Yet.
- Invasive carp, aka Copi, can be found downstream of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The situation could require intervention.
Some — some — fish in the Chicago River are technically edible, but you should not eat them often due to chemicals and heavy metals in the water. If you’re determined, follow this guide and more detailed advice from the Illinois Department of Health.
🦆 Birds
Almost 300 species of birds live in forest preserves throughout Illinois. Most can be spotted along the Chicago River, especially during migration seasons: mid-March to mid-June and early August to late November.
Birds that swoop near the river most often include:
- Bank swallows
- Belted kingfishers
- Black-crowned night herons
- Common terns
- Double-crested cormorants
- Great blue herons
- Mallard ducks
- Ospreys
- Snowy egrets
🦦 Mammals
Many mammals populate the Chicago River, too.
River otters famously made a real Chicagoland comeback. They were nearly extinct from Illinois in the early 1900s and were listed as endangered in 1989. After habitat restoration, their population grew so much they were delisted in 2004. Even otter trapping is back.
Other common river mammals include:
🛶 To see these mammals, and more, consider paddling on a Kayak for Conservation tour, led by Shedd nature experts!
