What Are The Defense Mechanisms Of Turtles?
fact checked & review by
Dr. Partho Kumar Shaha
Veterinarian (DVM)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Turtles are definitely not the fastest kids in the animal kingdom. Hence, these creatures have adopted some self-defense techniques to survive in the wild and fight predators. In the following article, you will get an insight into the turtle’s defensive mechanisms.
When under attack, the turtles run to the nearest water source if possible. Otherwise, they will withdraw their whole body into the shell and camouflage. Releasing musky odor to deter the threat is also a tactic of turtles. Again, turtles will bite or kick the opponent if it demands a head-on fight.
Keep reading for more details.
6 Ways How Turtles Save Themselves From Dangers
Turtles are the masters of water. But then, on land, these creatures are slow because of their body features. As a result, you will catch turtles using their defensive tricks, mostly on the land predators.
6 self-defense techniques of turtles are,
1. Retracting Into The Shell
The most popular way for turtles to avoid danger is by retracting their limbs into the shell. I know the shell design varies from species to species. For example, box turtles have hinged shells that allow them to withdraw themselves entirely inside.
On the contrary, snapping turtles can not get their neck inside the shell. Thus, you notice their necks resting on one side, completely exposed. It is a primary reason why snapping turtles always feel vulnerable and stay prepared to snap at their opponent.
Many people do not understand the concept of turtle shells. Surprisingly, the plastron and carapace of turtles can withstand 200x the weight of their own. In fact, studies have proved that the shells have a fracture toughness of 36.4 MPa m^½.
So, retracting to the shell is the most rational decision for turtles in times of danger. The predators can not pierce through the tough carapace or plastron.
Read how hard a turtle shell is and how it protects the pet turtles.
2. Taking A Bite
Turtles are peaceful. No doubt. But they will not spare you if you initiate an attack.
Turtles have razor-like jaws and hooked beaks to pick on predators. Most turtle species are omnivorous. So, they have experience in piercing flesh with their honed beaks.
Do you know snapping turtles can bite off a human finger? Yes, no joke.
Though not as strong as the snapping turtles, the box turtles will also sting the predator to scare it away. In fact, sea turtles, softshell turtles, map turtles, and most other species will not think twice before biting the threat.
Well, like the snapping turtles, all these species can not bite off human fingers. But yes, such an attack is enough to bleed the predators and run for an escape.
Some turtle species, for example, snapping turtles, exhibit a unique behavior before unleashing an attack. For example, the creature completely extends its rear leg and lowers its front legs. While resting on the wrists, the turtle looks the predator in the eye and goes for the bite.
3. Camouflage
You may not believe it, but turtles are great at camouflage in the wild. The unique shell and skin color help these creatures pull off this trick.
For example, mata mata turtles have a shell ranging from dark brown to mahogany. Hence, they can easily camouflage at the sand bottom or in the pit of leaves.
Likewise, sea turtles utilize their shell color and rocky pattern to hide in the rocks or sandy ocean floors. Box turtles are not left behind in this camouflage game. The species own shells with mixed colors, similar to the forest beds.
Such camouflaging ability of turtles definitely helps them escape predators. At the same time, the creatures can blend in with nature and prey on their food.
4. Releasing Chemicals
The common musk turtles are called stinkpots for a reason. These creatures can release a musky odor to deter predators. Apparently, the musk turtles have 2 small glands underneath the carapace for thus musky chemical production.
Well, musk turtles are not alone in this game. Scientists suggest that some turtle species release an unpleasant odor from their cloaca to run away from predators. Again, urinating is also a defensive mechanism for the turtles.
5. Burrowing In The Ground
You know tortoises love burrowing. Well, turtles have similar habits to their relatives too. This species may dig the ground, especially in winter, to survive the cold. Other than this, building a nest, cooling off from the heat, and releasing stress are reasons why turtles dig.
Experts believe that turtles may often burrow to hide from predators too. They can use an existing tunnel for protection or dig a new one. In fact, home turtle owners are encouraged to build such hiding spots for their pets.
6. Escape & Vocalization
As mentioned, turtles are really slow on land. So, whenever the creatures have a threat approaching, they head towards the nearest water body. In water, turtles can move really fast.
Sometimes turtles will vocalize when in danger. You will hear them hissing or grunting.
Are you surprised to know turtles can make noises? Well, see the meaning and pattern of different turtle sounds from this article.
Before You Go
The defense mechanisms of tortoises are similar to turtles. For example, the creatures retract to the shell, bite, or burrow. The link below will show you how dangerous tortoise bites are and how to escape them.
Are Tortoise Bites Danger & How To Avoid Them?
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
