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https://www.mlive.com/environment/2026/04/absolute-tank-of-a-snapping-turtle-rescued-from-lake-michigan-surf-after-wandering-shoreline-for-days.html

‘Absolute tank’ of a snapping turtle rescued from Lake Michigan surf after wandering shoreline for days
Updated: Apr. 15, 2026, 12:31 p.m.|Published: Apr. 15, 2026, 12:25 p.m.


Doug the Tank, a 30-something-year-old snapping turtle, is in the care of Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Sanctuary after he was found wandering the Lake Michigan shoreline where he battled waves for days, until he was too tired to continue. He's expected to make a swift recovery.Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Sanctuary
By Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
GRAND HAVEN, MI – This “absolute tank” of a snapping turtle was nearly unresponsive when a rescuer pulled him out of the Lake Michigan surf last week in Grand Haven.


The 33-pound, 30(ish)-year-old snapper is now known as Doug the Tank. He’s recovering from his misadventure at Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Sanctuary in Kalamazoo.

“Despite the sass in the photos, he’s exhausted and extremely worn down, but we are anticipating a swift recovery, the sanctuary said on Facebook.

Doug the Tank
Doug the Tank, a 30-something-year-old snapping turtle, is in the care of Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Sanctuary after he was found wandering the Lake Michigan shoreline where he battled waves for days, until he was too tired to continue. He's expected to make a swift recovery.Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Sanctuary

Common snapping turtles are not found on Great Lakes beaches because they can’t handle the waves and strong currents, post said. They prefer slow-moving or calm freshwater habitats, including marshes, ponds, swamps and creeks that have soft, muddy bottoms.