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How would a sea turtle end up on its back?
What are these round, spiny, puffy, green things from the ocean in Northeast United States?What breed is this very large, black, turtle/tortoise found in the Northeast United States?How would you help a snapping turtle cross the road?Where exactly is this rocky shoreline in the Downeast region of Maine, USA?Is it likely that decimation of its suburban forest habitat would cause a black bear to wander into a busy city if it wouldn't otherwise go there?Will ibexes react aggressively or flee if approached on a mountain?What are those white spots on the seaPortable desalination hand pump filter life?When should I report a potentially injured-looking animal to authorities in a large, monitored, wildlife area?How can I tell if there's a camouflaged octopus in a coral reef, so I can keep from disturbing it?
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There is a video going round of two guys flipping a sea turtle that had ended up on its back so it could get back into the water.
How would a sea turtle end up on its back in the first place (it sure doesn't seem that the turtle would do that on purpose)?
animal-behaviour sea turtles
edited Jul 3 at 17:31
Toby Speight
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
asked Jul 3 at 15:11
Charlie BrumbaughCharlie Brumbaugh
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
add a comment |
There is a video going round of two guys flipping a sea turtle that had ended up on its back so it could get back into the water.
How would a sea turtle end up on its back in the first place (it sure doesn't seem that the turtle would do that on purpose)?
animal-behaviour sea turtles
edited Jul 3 at 17:31
Toby Speight
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
asked Jul 3 at 15:11
Charlie BrumbaughCharlie Brumbaugh
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
7
A really, really good friend told it an incredibly hilarious joke - it just couldn't stop from rolling over laughing. As truly good friends do, they found the situation so funny they needed to walk away to observe from a distance how the situation would evolve.
– imsodin
Jul 3 at 15:32
3
A wave could have tipped it when the tide was higher.
– Weather Vane
Jul 3 at 16:33
6
@imsodin It probably started with "Hold my seaweed and watch this!"
– Charlie Brumbaugh
Jul 3 at 16:46
And if you're not helping the turtle flip back over, you might be a replicant.
– Thunderforge
Jul 4 at 18:16
add a comment |
There is a video going round of two guys flipping a sea turtle that had ended up on its back so it could get back into the water.
How would a sea turtle end up on its back in the first place (it sure doesn't seem that the turtle would do that on purpose)?
animal-behaviour sea turtles
edited Jul 3 at 17:31
Toby Speight
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
asked Jul 3 at 15:11
Charlie BrumbaughCharlie Brumbaugh
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
There is a video going round of two guys flipping a sea turtle that had ended up on its back so it could get back into the water.
How would a sea turtle end up on its back in the first place (it sure doesn't seem that the turtle would do that on purpose)?
animal-behaviour sea turtles
animal-behaviour sea turtles
edited Jul 3 at 17:31
Toby Speight
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
asked Jul 3 at 15:11
Charlie BrumbaughCharlie Brumbaugh
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
edited Jul 3 at 17:31
Toby Speight
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
asked Jul 3 at 15:11
Charlie BrumbaughCharlie Brumbaugh
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
edited Jul 3 at 17:31
Toby Speight
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
edited Jul 3 at 17:31
Toby Speight
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
edited Jul 3 at 17:31
Toby Speight
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
2,98114 silver badges34 bronze badges
asked Jul 3 at 15:11
Charlie BrumbaughCharlie Brumbaugh
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
asked Jul 3 at 15:11
Charlie BrumbaughCharlie Brumbaugh
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
asked Jul 3 at 15:11
Charlie BrumbaughCharlie Brumbaugh
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
53.6k17 gold badges152 silver badges316 bronze badges
7
A really, really good friend told it an incredibly hilarious joke - it just couldn't stop from rolling over laughing. As truly good friends do, they found the situation so funny they needed to walk away to observe from a distance how the situation would evolve.
– imsodin
Jul 3 at 15:32
3
A wave could have tipped it when the tide was higher.
– Weather Vane
Jul 3 at 16:33
6
@imsodin It probably started with "Hold my seaweed and watch this!"
– Charlie Brumbaugh
Jul 3 at 16:46
And if you're not helping the turtle flip back over, you might be a replicant.
– Thunderforge
Jul 4 at 18:16
add a comment |
7
A really, really good friend told it an incredibly hilarious joke - it just couldn't stop from rolling over laughing. As truly good friends do, they found the situation so funny they needed to walk away to observe from a distance how the situation would evolve.
– imsodin
Jul 3 at 15:32
3
A wave could have tipped it when the tide was higher.
– Weather Vane
Jul 3 at 16:33
6
@imsodin It probably started with "Hold my seaweed and watch this!"
– Charlie Brumbaugh
Jul 3 at 16:46
And if you're not helping the turtle flip back over, you might be a replicant.
– Thunderforge
Jul 4 at 18:16
7
7
A really, really good friend told it an incredibly hilarious joke - it just couldn't stop from rolling over laughing. As truly good friends do, they found the situation so funny they needed to walk away to observe from a distance how the situation would evolve.
– imsodin
Jul 3 at 15:32
A really, really good friend told it an incredibly hilarious joke - it just couldn't stop from rolling over laughing. As truly good friends do, they found the situation so funny they needed to walk away to observe from a distance how the situation would evolve.
– imsodin
Jul 3 at 15:32
3
3
A wave could have tipped it when the tide was higher.
– Weather Vane
Jul 3 at 16:33
A wave could have tipped it when the tide was higher.
– Weather Vane
Jul 3 at 16:33
6
6
@imsodin It probably started with "Hold my seaweed and watch this!"
– Charlie Brumbaugh
Jul 3 at 16:46
@imsodin It probably started with "Hold my seaweed and watch this!"
– Charlie Brumbaugh
Jul 3 at 16:46
And if you're not helping the turtle flip back over, you might be a replicant.
– Thunderforge
Jul 4 at 18:16
And if you're not helping the turtle flip back over, you might be a replicant.
– Thunderforge
Jul 4 at 18:16
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
There are a few possibilities:
Other Turtles
This site about pet turtles mentions the possibility that turtles fighting over a mate (or actually mating) may end up on their backs.
When breeding season comes around, adult male turtles might start
fighting over the females. A stronger male might flip a weaker one
over. Male turtles might also harass female turtles, attempting to
breed. Females can become flipped over and injured. Male turtles can
also fall onto their backs after mating.
Illness
As Sue says in the comments (and backed up here) fluid in the lungs due to respiratory illness may cause them to tip if they're submerged. A flipped turtle could then be washed ashore and remain upside down.
This brings me to another possibility:
Waves
As waves come to shore, the water molecules in those waves are spinning in a circular motion. With large waves, this is often enough to flip things over (surfboards and people on surfboards are the most common examples).
The part of the object closest to the approaching wave gets lifted first and thrown over, if the wave is steep enough. Breaking waves are exactly this phenomenon--the top of the wave is steep enough that the circularly moving water gets "thrown" forward and over itself. Waves usually break near shore--hence the turtle on the beach.
Also, it's worth noting that there's no reason the turtle would only flip 180 degrees. In all likelihood, half the turtles landing on the beach are right side up, and they just walk (?) away.
People
In the interest of being exhaustive about the possibilities, I want to mention that there are people who may think it's funny to flip a turtle on its back. I hope that wasn't the case here, but worth mentioning.
answered Jul 3 at 16:59
John HughesJohn Hughes
4997 bronze badges
Hi! This is interesting! Do you have a source that waves are causal? If so, would you add it, so I can learn more? You clearly said "most likely" so I don't think you're misleading. It could be 100% true but my preliminary scientific research about doesn't say it! I hope I haven't bothered you! I'd just appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:11
1
Part of my interest is that we had a pet aquatic turtle in an aquarium who got pneumonia. The heavy fluid in one of his lungs caused him to tip. We gave IV fluids and other treatments but he passed away. I don't know if this happens with larger aquatic species.
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:16
Very good points. In short: I don't have a source, but I think it's a possible explanation. Perhaps not most likely though! I've edited to include other potential reasons, with citations (and hopefully enough credit to you!).
– John Hughes
Jul 3 at 20:27
This is great, thanks! Thanks for the extra work! I didn't need credit at all, you're very kind!!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:44
2
Note that "turtles fighting" is only true for terrestial turtles (most commonly known as tortoises) and some marshland species that spend time out of water. Most terrapins fight by biting and scratching (no ramming involved and its mostly underwater) and male sea-turtles never leave the water so would not suffer from being flipped over. My guess in this case is a combination of illness and being caught in the surf.
– Borgh
Jul 5 at 8:33
|
show 1 more comment
In addition to the reasons given in @John Hughes answer, Predators may be another cause.
This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main predators of adult turtles.
This YouTube video (also featured, with additional notes, in this LiveScience.com article) shows an orca "playing" with a sea turtle, and this video shows one being repeatedly tossed into the air. This video shows a tiger shark and a turtle in very shallow water (with the turtle getting it's own back at 01:55).
Although none of the videos actually show a turtle being beached (and I haven't found one that does), the tiger shark video is in very shallow water, and killer whales are known to prey right up to (and on to!) beaches (see this video of one attacking seals that are on the beach), so it certainly seems possible that either predator could – presumably accidentally – flip a turtle from the shallows to the beach and for the turtle to land on its back.
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USaqTbWbeII
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtF3FPyRVIw
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgq-ffRJFw
answered Jul 4 at 9:21
TripeHoundTripeHound
2014 bronze badges
8
"This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main prey of adult turtles." - Although the thought of a turtle hunting a killer whale is amusing, I'm pretty sure you meant to write predator instead of prey.
– R. Schmitz
Jul 4 at 9:42
1
Thanks - fixed. I think I was thinking "main [creatures that] prey on adult turtles" but have switched to predator for clarity.
– TripeHound
Jul 4 at 9:49
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
There are a few possibilities:
Other Turtles
This site about pet turtles mentions the possibility that turtles fighting over a mate (or actually mating) may end up on their backs.
When breeding season comes around, adult male turtles might start
fighting over the females. A stronger male might flip a weaker one
over. Male turtles might also harass female turtles, attempting to
breed. Females can become flipped over and injured. Male turtles can
also fall onto their backs after mating.
Illness
As Sue says in the comments (and backed up here) fluid in the lungs due to respiratory illness may cause them to tip if they're submerged. A flipped turtle could then be washed ashore and remain upside down.
This brings me to another possibility:
Waves
As waves come to shore, the water molecules in those waves are spinning in a circular motion. With large waves, this is often enough to flip things over (surfboards and people on surfboards are the most common examples).
The part of the object closest to the approaching wave gets lifted first and thrown over, if the wave is steep enough. Breaking waves are exactly this phenomenon--the top of the wave is steep enough that the circularly moving water gets "thrown" forward and over itself. Waves usually break near shore--hence the turtle on the beach.
Also, it's worth noting that there's no reason the turtle would only flip 180 degrees. In all likelihood, half the turtles landing on the beach are right side up, and they just walk (?) away.
People
In the interest of being exhaustive about the possibilities, I want to mention that there are people who may think it's funny to flip a turtle on its back. I hope that wasn't the case here, but worth mentioning.
answered Jul 3 at 16:59
John HughesJohn Hughes
4997 bronze badges
Hi! This is interesting! Do you have a source that waves are causal? If so, would you add it, so I can learn more? You clearly said "most likely" so I don't think you're misleading. It could be 100% true but my preliminary scientific research about doesn't say it! I hope I haven't bothered you! I'd just appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:11
1
Part of my interest is that we had a pet aquatic turtle in an aquarium who got pneumonia. The heavy fluid in one of his lungs caused him to tip. We gave IV fluids and other treatments but he passed away. I don't know if this happens with larger aquatic species.
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:16
Very good points. In short: I don't have a source, but I think it's a possible explanation. Perhaps not most likely though! I've edited to include other potential reasons, with citations (and hopefully enough credit to you!).
– John Hughes
Jul 3 at 20:27
This is great, thanks! Thanks for the extra work! I didn't need credit at all, you're very kind!!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:44
2
Note that "turtles fighting" is only true for terrestial turtles (most commonly known as tortoises) and some marshland species that spend time out of water. Most terrapins fight by biting and scratching (no ramming involved and its mostly underwater) and male sea-turtles never leave the water so would not suffer from being flipped over. My guess in this case is a combination of illness and being caught in the surf.
– Borgh
Jul 5 at 8:33
|
show 1 more comment
There are a few possibilities:
Other Turtles
This site about pet turtles mentions the possibility that turtles fighting over a mate (or actually mating) may end up on their backs.
When breeding season comes around, adult male turtles might start
fighting over the females. A stronger male might flip a weaker one
over. Male turtles might also harass female turtles, attempting to
breed. Females can become flipped over and injured. Male turtles can
also fall onto their backs after mating.
Illness
As Sue says in the comments (and backed up here) fluid in the lungs due to respiratory illness may cause them to tip if they're submerged. A flipped turtle could then be washed ashore and remain upside down.
This brings me to another possibility:
Waves
As waves come to shore, the water molecules in those waves are spinning in a circular motion. With large waves, this is often enough to flip things over (surfboards and people on surfboards are the most common examples).
The part of the object closest to the approaching wave gets lifted first and thrown over, if the wave is steep enough. Breaking waves are exactly this phenomenon--the top of the wave is steep enough that the circularly moving water gets "thrown" forward and over itself. Waves usually break near shore--hence the turtle on the beach.
Also, it's worth noting that there's no reason the turtle would only flip 180 degrees. In all likelihood, half the turtles landing on the beach are right side up, and they just walk (?) away.
People
In the interest of being exhaustive about the possibilities, I want to mention that there are people who may think it's funny to flip a turtle on its back. I hope that wasn't the case here, but worth mentioning.
answered Jul 3 at 16:59
John HughesJohn Hughes
4997 bronze badges
Hi! This is interesting! Do you have a source that waves are causal? If so, would you add it, so I can learn more? You clearly said "most likely" so I don't think you're misleading. It could be 100% true but my preliminary scientific research about doesn't say it! I hope I haven't bothered you! I'd just appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:11
1
Part of my interest is that we had a pet aquatic turtle in an aquarium who got pneumonia. The heavy fluid in one of his lungs caused him to tip. We gave IV fluids and other treatments but he passed away. I don't know if this happens with larger aquatic species.
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:16
Very good points. In short: I don't have a source, but I think it's a possible explanation. Perhaps not most likely though! I've edited to include other potential reasons, with citations (and hopefully enough credit to you!).
– John Hughes
Jul 3 at 20:27
This is great, thanks! Thanks for the extra work! I didn't need credit at all, you're very kind!!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:44
2
Note that "turtles fighting" is only true for terrestial turtles (most commonly known as tortoises) and some marshland species that spend time out of water. Most terrapins fight by biting and scratching (no ramming involved and its mostly underwater) and male sea-turtles never leave the water so would not suffer from being flipped over. My guess in this case is a combination of illness and being caught in the surf.
– Borgh
Jul 5 at 8:33
|
show 1 more comment
There are a few possibilities:
Other Turtles
This site about pet turtles mentions the possibility that turtles fighting over a mate (or actually mating) may end up on their backs.
When breeding season comes around, adult male turtles might start
fighting over the females. A stronger male might flip a weaker one
over. Male turtles might also harass female turtles, attempting to
breed. Females can become flipped over and injured. Male turtles can
also fall onto their backs after mating.
Illness
As Sue says in the comments (and backed up here) fluid in the lungs due to respiratory illness may cause them to tip if they're submerged. A flipped turtle could then be washed ashore and remain upside down.
This brings me to another possibility:
Waves
As waves come to shore, the water molecules in those waves are spinning in a circular motion. With large waves, this is often enough to flip things over (surfboards and people on surfboards are the most common examples).
The part of the object closest to the approaching wave gets lifted first and thrown over, if the wave is steep enough. Breaking waves are exactly this phenomenon--the top of the wave is steep enough that the circularly moving water gets "thrown" forward and over itself. Waves usually break near shore--hence the turtle on the beach.
Also, it's worth noting that there's no reason the turtle would only flip 180 degrees. In all likelihood, half the turtles landing on the beach are right side up, and they just walk (?) away.
People
In the interest of being exhaustive about the possibilities, I want to mention that there are people who may think it's funny to flip a turtle on its back. I hope that wasn't the case here, but worth mentioning.
answered Jul 3 at 16:59
John HughesJohn Hughes
4997 bronze badges
There are a few possibilities:
Other Turtles
This site about pet turtles mentions the possibility that turtles fighting over a mate (or actually mating) may end up on their backs.
When breeding season comes around, adult male turtles might start
fighting over the females. A stronger male might flip a weaker one
over. Male turtles might also harass female turtles, attempting to
breed. Females can become flipped over and injured. Male turtles can
also fall onto their backs after mating.
Illness
As Sue says in the comments (and backed up here) fluid in the lungs due to respiratory illness may cause them to tip if they're submerged. A flipped turtle could then be washed ashore and remain upside down.
This brings me to another possibility:
Waves
As waves come to shore, the water molecules in those waves are spinning in a circular motion. With large waves, this is often enough to flip things over (surfboards and people on surfboards are the most common examples).
The part of the object closest to the approaching wave gets lifted first and thrown over, if the wave is steep enough. Breaking waves are exactly this phenomenon--the top of the wave is steep enough that the circularly moving water gets "thrown" forward and over itself. Waves usually break near shore--hence the turtle on the beach.
Also, it's worth noting that there's no reason the turtle would only flip 180 degrees. In all likelihood, half the turtles landing on the beach are right side up, and they just walk (?) away.
People
In the interest of being exhaustive about the possibilities, I want to mention that there are people who may think it's funny to flip a turtle on its back. I hope that wasn't the case here, but worth mentioning.
answered Jul 3 at 16:59
John HughesJohn Hughes
4997 bronze badges
edited Jul 3 at 20:24
answered Jul 3 at 16:59
John HughesJohn Hughes
4997 bronze badges
answered Jul 3 at 16:59
John HughesJohn Hughes
4997 bronze badges
answered Jul 3 at 16:59
John HughesJohn Hughes
4997 bronze badges
4997 bronze badges
Hi! This is interesting! Do you have a source that waves are causal? If so, would you add it, so I can learn more? You clearly said "most likely" so I don't think you're misleading. It could be 100% true but my preliminary scientific research about doesn't say it! I hope I haven't bothered you! I'd just appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:11
1
Part of my interest is that we had a pet aquatic turtle in an aquarium who got pneumonia. The heavy fluid in one of his lungs caused him to tip. We gave IV fluids and other treatments but he passed away. I don't know if this happens with larger aquatic species.
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:16
Very good points. In short: I don't have a source, but I think it's a possible explanation. Perhaps not most likely though! I've edited to include other potential reasons, with citations (and hopefully enough credit to you!).
– John Hughes
Jul 3 at 20:27
This is great, thanks! Thanks for the extra work! I didn't need credit at all, you're very kind!!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:44
2
Note that "turtles fighting" is only true for terrestial turtles (most commonly known as tortoises) and some marshland species that spend time out of water. Most terrapins fight by biting and scratching (no ramming involved and its mostly underwater) and male sea-turtles never leave the water so would not suffer from being flipped over. My guess in this case is a combination of illness and being caught in the surf.
– Borgh
Jul 5 at 8:33
|
show 1 more comment
Hi! This is interesting! Do you have a source that waves are causal? If so, would you add it, so I can learn more? You clearly said "most likely" so I don't think you're misleading. It could be 100% true but my preliminary scientific research about doesn't say it! I hope I haven't bothered you! I'd just appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:11
1
Part of my interest is that we had a pet aquatic turtle in an aquarium who got pneumonia. The heavy fluid in one of his lungs caused him to tip. We gave IV fluids and other treatments but he passed away. I don't know if this happens with larger aquatic species.
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:16
Very good points. In short: I don't have a source, but I think it's a possible explanation. Perhaps not most likely though! I've edited to include other potential reasons, with citations (and hopefully enough credit to you!).
– John Hughes
Jul 3 at 20:27
This is great, thanks! Thanks for the extra work! I didn't need credit at all, you're very kind!!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:44
2
Note that "turtles fighting" is only true for terrestial turtles (most commonly known as tortoises) and some marshland species that spend time out of water. Most terrapins fight by biting and scratching (no ramming involved and its mostly underwater) and male sea-turtles never leave the water so would not suffer from being flipped over. My guess in this case is a combination of illness and being caught in the surf.
– Borgh
Jul 5 at 8:33
Hi! This is interesting! Do you have a source that waves are causal? If so, would you add it, so I can learn more? You clearly said "most likely" so I don't think you're misleading. It could be 100% true but my preliminary scientific research about doesn't say it! I hope I haven't bothered you! I'd just appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:11
Hi! This is interesting! Do you have a source that waves are causal? If so, would you add it, so I can learn more? You clearly said "most likely" so I don't think you're misleading. It could be 100% true but my preliminary scientific research about doesn't say it! I hope I haven't bothered you! I'd just appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:11
1
1
Part of my interest is that we had a pet aquatic turtle in an aquarium who got pneumonia. The heavy fluid in one of his lungs caused him to tip. We gave IV fluids and other treatments but he passed away. I don't know if this happens with larger aquatic species.
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:16
Part of my interest is that we had a pet aquatic turtle in an aquarium who got pneumonia. The heavy fluid in one of his lungs caused him to tip. We gave IV fluids and other treatments but he passed away. I don't know if this happens with larger aquatic species.
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:16
Very good points. In short: I don't have a source, but I think it's a possible explanation. Perhaps not most likely though! I've edited to include other potential reasons, with citations (and hopefully enough credit to you!).
– John Hughes
Jul 3 at 20:27
Very good points. In short: I don't have a source, but I think it's a possible explanation. Perhaps not most likely though! I've edited to include other potential reasons, with citations (and hopefully enough credit to you!).
– John Hughes
Jul 3 at 20:27
This is great, thanks! Thanks for the extra work! I didn't need credit at all, you're very kind!!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:44
This is great, thanks! Thanks for the extra work! I didn't need credit at all, you're very kind!!
– Sue
Jul 3 at 20:44
2
2
Note that "turtles fighting" is only true for terrestial turtles (most commonly known as tortoises) and some marshland species that spend time out of water. Most terrapins fight by biting and scratching (no ramming involved and its mostly underwater) and male sea-turtles never leave the water so would not suffer from being flipped over. My guess in this case is a combination of illness and being caught in the surf.
– Borgh
Jul 5 at 8:33
Note that "turtles fighting" is only true for terrestial turtles (most commonly known as tortoises) and some marshland species that spend time out of water. Most terrapins fight by biting and scratching (no ramming involved and its mostly underwater) and male sea-turtles never leave the water so would not suffer from being flipped over. My guess in this case is a combination of illness and being caught in the surf.
– Borgh
Jul 5 at 8:33
|
show 1 more comment
In addition to the reasons given in @John Hughes answer, Predators may be another cause.
This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main predators of adult turtles.
This YouTube video (also featured, with additional notes, in this LiveScience.com article) shows an orca "playing" with a sea turtle, and this video shows one being repeatedly tossed into the air. This video shows a tiger shark and a turtle in very shallow water (with the turtle getting it's own back at 01:55).
Although none of the videos actually show a turtle being beached (and I haven't found one that does), the tiger shark video is in very shallow water, and killer whales are known to prey right up to (and on to!) beaches (see this video of one attacking seals that are on the beach), so it certainly seems possible that either predator could – presumably accidentally – flip a turtle from the shallows to the beach and for the turtle to land on its back.
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USaqTbWbeII
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtF3FPyRVIw
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgq-ffRJFw
answered Jul 4 at 9:21
TripeHoundTripeHound
2014 bronze badges
8
"This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main prey of adult turtles." - Although the thought of a turtle hunting a killer whale is amusing, I'm pretty sure you meant to write predator instead of prey.
– R. Schmitz
Jul 4 at 9:42
1
Thanks - fixed. I think I was thinking "main [creatures that] prey on adult turtles" but have switched to predator for clarity.
– TripeHound
Jul 4 at 9:49
add a comment |
In addition to the reasons given in @John Hughes answer, Predators may be another cause.
This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main predators of adult turtles.
This YouTube video (also featured, with additional notes, in this LiveScience.com article) shows an orca "playing" with a sea turtle, and this video shows one being repeatedly tossed into the air. This video shows a tiger shark and a turtle in very shallow water (with the turtle getting it's own back at 01:55).
Although none of the videos actually show a turtle being beached (and I haven't found one that does), the tiger shark video is in very shallow water, and killer whales are known to prey right up to (and on to!) beaches (see this video of one attacking seals that are on the beach), so it certainly seems possible that either predator could – presumably accidentally – flip a turtle from the shallows to the beach and for the turtle to land on its back.
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USaqTbWbeII
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtF3FPyRVIw
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgq-ffRJFw
answered Jul 4 at 9:21
TripeHoundTripeHound
2014 bronze badges
8
"This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main prey of adult turtles." - Although the thought of a turtle hunting a killer whale is amusing, I'm pretty sure you meant to write predator instead of prey.
– R. Schmitz
Jul 4 at 9:42
1
Thanks - fixed. I think I was thinking "main [creatures that] prey on adult turtles" but have switched to predator for clarity.
– TripeHound
Jul 4 at 9:49
add a comment |
In addition to the reasons given in @John Hughes answer, Predators may be another cause.
This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main predators of adult turtles.
This YouTube video (also featured, with additional notes, in this LiveScience.com article) shows an orca "playing" with a sea turtle, and this video shows one being repeatedly tossed into the air. This video shows a tiger shark and a turtle in very shallow water (with the turtle getting it's own back at 01:55).
Although none of the videos actually show a turtle being beached (and I haven't found one that does), the tiger shark video is in very shallow water, and killer whales are known to prey right up to (and on to!) beaches (see this video of one attacking seals that are on the beach), so it certainly seems possible that either predator could – presumably accidentally – flip a turtle from the shallows to the beach and for the turtle to land on its back.
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USaqTbWbeII
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtF3FPyRVIw
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgq-ffRJFw
answered Jul 4 at 9:21
TripeHoundTripeHound
2014 bronze badges
In addition to the reasons given in @John Hughes answer, Predators may be another cause.
This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main predators of adult turtles.
This YouTube video (also featured, with additional notes, in this LiveScience.com article) shows an orca "playing" with a sea turtle, and this video shows one being repeatedly tossed into the air. This video shows a tiger shark and a turtle in very shallow water (with the turtle getting it's own back at 01:55).
Although none of the videos actually show a turtle being beached (and I haven't found one that does), the tiger shark video is in very shallow water, and killer whales are known to prey right up to (and on to!) beaches (see this video of one attacking seals that are on the beach), so it certainly seems possible that either predator could – presumably accidentally – flip a turtle from the shallows to the beach and for the turtle to land on its back.
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USaqTbWbeII
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtF3FPyRVIw
Source: partial screen-grab from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgq-ffRJFw
answered Jul 4 at 9:21
TripeHoundTripeHound
2014 bronze badges
edited Jul 4 at 9:47
answered Jul 4 at 9:21
TripeHoundTripeHound
2014 bronze badges
answered Jul 4 at 9:21
TripeHoundTripeHound
2014 bronze badges
answered Jul 4 at 9:21
TripeHoundTripeHound
2014 bronze badges
2014 bronze badges
8
"This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main prey of adult turtles." - Although the thought of a turtle hunting a killer whale is amusing, I'm pretty sure you meant to write predator instead of prey.
– R. Schmitz
Jul 4 at 9:42
1
Thanks - fixed. I think I was thinking "main [creatures that] prey on adult turtles" but have switched to predator for clarity.
– TripeHound
Jul 4 at 9:49
add a comment |
8
"This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main prey of adult turtles." - Although the thought of a turtle hunting a killer whale is amusing, I'm pretty sure you meant to write predator instead of prey.
– R. Schmitz
Jul 4 at 9:42
1
Thanks - fixed. I think I was thinking "main [creatures that] prey on adult turtles" but have switched to predator for clarity.
– TripeHound
Jul 4 at 9:49
8
8
"This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main prey of adult turtles." - Although the thought of a turtle hunting a killer whale is amusing, I'm pretty sure you meant to write predator instead of prey.
– R. Schmitz
Jul 4 at 9:42
"This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment page on the longevity and causes of death of sea turtles lists tiger sharks and killer whales (orcas) as the main prey of adult turtles." - Although the thought of a turtle hunting a killer whale is amusing, I'm pretty sure you meant to write predator instead of prey.
– R. Schmitz
Jul 4 at 9:42
1
1
Thanks - fixed. I think I was thinking "main [creatures that] prey on adult turtles" but have switched to predator for clarity.
– TripeHound
Jul 4 at 9:49
Thanks - fixed. I think I was thinking "main [creatures that] prey on adult turtles" but have switched to predator for clarity.
– TripeHound
Jul 4 at 9:49
add a comment |
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A really, really good friend told it an incredibly hilarious joke - it just couldn't stop from rolling over laughing. As truly good friends do, they found the situation so funny they needed to walk away to observe from a distance how the situation would evolve.
– imsodin
Jul 3 at 15:32
3
A wave could have tipped it when the tide was higher.
– Weather Vane
Jul 3 at 16:33
6
@imsodin It probably started with "Hold my seaweed and watch this!"
– Charlie Brumbaugh
Jul 3 at 16:46
And if you're not helping the turtle flip back over, you might be a replicant.
– Thunderforge
Jul 4 at 18:16