What Animals Eat Turtles?

Birds

• Bearded vultures seize turtles and fly high above the ground to release the reptile, typically over rocky ground or onto large rocks or boulders. These vultures will repeat the exercise if the shell of the turtle does not break after the first attempt. The bearded vulture then feeds on the flesh of the turtle, which is now easily accessible. Crows prey on the western swamp turtle from Australia, while other carnivorous birds, including ravens and herons, will all prey on turtles. Sea gulls will grab and eat hatchling turtles as they attempt to reach the relative safety of the ocean after having hatched on the beach.

Mammals

• Numerous mammals prey on turtles. Raccoons are capable predators and will normally carry a turtle to a safe area where they can eat without being disturbed. Coyotes and foxes will prey on turtles, as will some domestic dogs. In many cases, the individual dog is merely playing with the reptile, but if its teeth manage to puncture vital organs, the game becomes fatal. Domestic cats will sometimes kill young turtles. Opossums, weasels, skunks and ferrets will all kill turtles if given the opportunity. In some instances, these animals will bite at and chew any part that the turtle can not retract deeply enough into its shell.

Reptiles and Amphibians

• Some mature frogs will attempt to eat small freshwater turtles in the absence of more suitable prey. The Nile monitor will eat turtle eggs and hatchlings, while crocodiles and alligators eat adult turtles. Mature alligators, which can weigh up to 500 pounds, are capable of easily killing mature turtles.

Fish

• Great white sharks, which are capable of killing a person with one bite, will include sea turtles in their diet of fish and marine mammals. This huge shark often charges its prey from underneath the creature. The great white effectively ploughs into the turtle with its mouth open and the marine reptile has no chance of escape.