Sharks are ferocious predators! In fact, they are some of the scariest animals on Earth! Some are shy and others are extremely aggressive, with bull sharks, great whites and tiger sharks topping the list.
You would think that no animal would stand a chance against an angry tiger shark, right? Well, a turtle braves one of these aquatic predators along Australian beaches! Although the turtle cannot retract its head and flippers into its shell for protection, this skilled turtle will fight back like a pro!
Will the turtle manage to outrun the shark?
A sea turtle, unaware that a tiger shark is watching it, is enjoying its day as it swims leisurely. The shark then swam towards it quickly and grabbed it. However, the tortoise was not surprised! It deftly outmaneuvered the shark by turning its carapace toward its opponent and swimming quickly in the opposite direction. The shark didn’t expect this to happen and ended up biting the shell! However, it didn’t give up. The shark swam away, as if thinking about what to do next, then returned to the turtle and bit it again. As before, the turtle’s reflexes were smarter – the tiger shark definitely didn’t expect such a fight from its prey!
While the tiger shark swam away to attack again, the turtle just floated in the water, as if waiting for another failed attempt from the “fierce” predator. Of course, the sharks always come back. The turtle is always deftly turning its back on the predator, and as a result it bites into the tough shell and may even lose some of its teeth. This went on for nearly two minutes, while the shark, four times the size of the turtle, missed even a bite of its prey!
But wait, the most important part is yet to come! When the tiger shark got angry and realized it had no chance, it gave up and left the scene. However, just as it turned away from the turtle, the aquatic reptile grabbed the shark’s tail! How amazing is this? It’s like the turtle showing the shark who’s boss! Strength isn’t all they need to catch their prey, after all; outsmarting skills and smart technology ensure victory!
In the end, the big shark left the scene hungry, his tail was bitten, and he probably had a toothache!
Can sharks bite through turtle shells?
© Vincent Legrand/Shutterstock.com
Generally, larger sharks can bite through a turtle’s shell. However, they don’t usually go after shells because biting the fins ensures a quicker catch.
On the other hand, since sea turtles have many predators, they have learned how to evade them and survive by developing smart escape techniques! So even if the shark manages to get close to the turtle, the chances of breaking its shell are slim, as the turtle will use its excellent side-swimming ability and swimming speed to quickly outwit the shark.
Next:
- Spot the biggest tiger shark ever!
- What do tiger sharks eat?their diet explained
- Turtles vs. Tortoises: What’s the Difference?
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
