Hobbies And Interests
Amphibians
Large amphibians will readily eat small turtles in the wild. The North American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) has a voracious appetite and often consumes any aquatic turtle small enough to fit in its mouth. Bullfrogs feed primarily on young aquatic turtles in the wild. Cane toads (Bufo marinus) are also another important predator of turtles. Native to Central and South America, cane toads are terrestrial toads that grow up to 12 inches long and feed on small turtles they come across in the wild.
Mammals
Many types of mammals prey on turtles in the wild. Terrestrial mammals such as skunks and raccoons actively hunt for turtle eggs buried near river beds and sea coasts. Aquatic mammals such as minks and otters hunt down and eat turtles that live in freshwater environments. Killer whales are aggressive aquatic mammals that are a primary predator of marine sea turtles in the open ocean.
Birds
Birds feed on turtles from eggs to adults in many different habitats. Birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons and many other species prey on both terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Many coastal birds such as the fish crow are experts at finding sea turtle eggs while a wide range of birds eat small sea turtle hatchlings that struggle to make it to the safety of the ocean. Herrings are also a common predator of small turtles in freshwater environments.
Reptiles
Turtles are an important food source for other types of reptiles. Large reptiles such as snapping turtles and alligators can consume aquatic turtles of all sizes. Many types of snakes and lizards excavate turtle nests and feed on unprotected turtle eggs.