The capacity of tortoises to withdraw their heads and legs into their shells is one of their fascinating characteristics. You might ask why something forced a turtle to retreat into its shield. Typically, tortoises stay hidden inside their shells to guard against animals and poor weather, such as extremely hot or cold temperatures. Additionally, tortoises’ heads may withdraw if they are unwell or are placed in an unknown or new area. A video shows a giant tortoise shell near the side of a dirt road in the savannah. A cheetah approaches and is instantly intrigued by this peculiar and unfamiliar thing. These big cats have an excellent sense of smell and it’s safe to assume they can likely smell what’s hiding inside the shell. The world’s fastest mamma smells the shell and even hisses a few times. As the tortoise stands its ground by continuing to hide, the cat steps back in curiosity. At one point in the video, another cheetah comes into the picture and has the same reaction as the first cat. Our question is – who on earth is getting this close to big cats in the wild to film such an interaction?
Hiding in Plain Sight
The footage, now with over four million views, was uploaded to Youtube in 2019. It’s a great example of how sophisticated wild animals are in how they stay safe from potential predators. Vocalizations including groans, growls, snarls, and spitting are typically made during antagonistic or hostile situations. A cheetah will squat and start to whimper as a threat increases, frequently followed by snarling and hissing. There’s no denying these two cats were interested in this turtle. Predators of tortoises include roadrunners, snakes, kit foxes, and coyotes, to name a few. The common raven, however, is another predator that is significantly affecting the survival of the desert tortoise. While a cheetah isn’t a notable hazard for these shelled creatures, these cats will eat just about anything. It would be nearly impossible for the feline to get to the tortoise inside the shell. Ironically, one of the slowest animals on earth can outwit the fastest! Something notable about a tortoise hiding in its shell is the ability to blend into many landscapes. The shell can look like a giant rock or boulder to unsuspecting wildlife. Though they’re known for being slow, tortoises can quickly slip inside for safety!
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