The Great Turtle Hunt

In 1949, the quiet town of Churubusco, Indiana became a national sensation when farmers reported a giant turtle in Fulk Lake. The hunt for “Oscar” drew thousands of spectators and established a lasting town tradition.

The Discovery

1949 events:

• Gale Harris sighting
• His farm lake
• Giant turtle surfaced
• Multiple witnesses
• Story spread

The Description

Oscar’s appearance:

• Dining table size
• 4-6 foot shell
• 500 pounds estimated
• Snapping turtle type
• Ancient appearance

The Hunt Begins

Capture attempts:

• Local efforts first
• Professional trappers
• Deep-sea divers
• Media arrived
• National story

The Draining

Desperate measure:

• Lake pumped down
• Thousands of gallons
• No turtle found
• Hidden somehow
• Mystery deepened

Media Frenzy

Coverage included:

• Life magazine
• Newsreels
• Radio broadcasts
• Wire services
• International interest

Theories

Explanations offered:

• Alligator snapper
• Escaped pet
• Exaggeration
• Hidden den
• Multiple turtles

The Aftermath

When hunt ended:

• No capture made
• Legend cemented
• Town transformed
• Annual celebration
• Lasting identity

Turtle Days

Annual festival:

• Since 1950
• Celebrates Oscar
• Community event
• Tourist attraction
• Continuing tradition

Significance

National media sensation, extensive hunt, permanent cultural impact on small Indiana town.

Legacy

Oscar transformed Churubusco into “Turtle Town USA”—a creature never captured but forever celebrated in local tradition.