When caring for a Russian tortoise, it’s important to know the tortoise predators to look out for. If you are planning on building an outdoor tortoise enclosure, you’ll want to know the predators that may try to make a meal of your pet.

Common Tortoise Predators

Dogs – Other pets are probably the most common tortoise predator. Your dog may generally be a docile, friendly to everyone canine, but dogs can cause major damage to tortoises. And since Russian tortoises are a smaller species of tortoise, your beloved dog could cause damage to an adult tortoise. The dog may not think he’s doing anything other than play… Or maybe he wants a snack… Either way, it’s important to regulate dogs around your tortoise. It can cost thousands in vet bills to fix up your Russian tortoise after a dog attack.

Cats – Cats are notorious for killing mice, rats, birds, squirrels and things of that nature… However, it is still possible that your outside (or even inside cat) may try to attach your tortoise. If you have a baby Russian tortoise, you run an even larger risk of attacks by cats and other predators.

Birds – Large birds will generally leave larger tortoises alone, but Russian tortoises are a smaller tortoise, you run the risk of a large bird picking up the tortoise or attacking on the ground. Ravens, hawks, owls are threats to young and small tortoises. Crows will even prey on small tortoises, although crow attacks are not as common.

Mammals – Coyotes, kit foxes, badgers, skunks, raccoons and opossums also prey on tortoises. You’ll find raccoons can be very persistent. They’ll even try to pull the legs or head out of the shell, if your tortoise sucks in to protect itself.

When housing a tortoise outside, whether as a permanent enclosure or as a temporary enclosure, it is important to protect the tortoise. Outside tortoise enclosures for baby tortoises should have a protective lid, as baby Russian tortoises are the most vulnerable due to their small size. Consider adding hinges and a lock, as some Russian tortoise predators can be quite determined.

Russian Tortoise Defenses

Although, tortoises are generally a slower moving animal, they do have a number of ways to protect themselves from predators.

Hard Shell – Tortoises have a hard outer shell that can deter predators. They can pull their arms, legs and head into their shell for more protection against predators. It isn’t always the best protection as some animals use their hands to pull the legs, but it is good protection against those predators who just aren’t as determined or hungry.

Beak – Tortoises have a hard, sharp, beak-like mouth used when foraging, but it can be used as a weapon of defense against predators. With Russian tortoises, the beak is not big, as the tortoise itself is not very big, but it can deter smaller predators.
Camouflage – Russian tortoises easily blend into their surroundings. Their brown, tan and black coloring allow them to hide from predators. And, of course being small, they can hide under bushes and plants with ease.
Burrowing – Tortoises can burrow. This doesn’t necessarily help if a dog is coming and the tortoise is basking the afternoon sunlight, but at night when many predators are active, your Russian tortoise will likely be sleeping in a burrow or hide that the predator may not care to dig out. And of course, the burrow is there during the day for a quick evacuation of the situation if a predator comes out of no where (assuming the tortoise sees the predator in enough time).