Can Turtle Drown

There’s an interesting topic that has stupefied many turtle owners and reptile enthusiasts: Can a turtle drown? Considering they are water creatures, this might sound counterintuitive to some.

Yes, turtles can drown. Although turtles are skilled, aquatic animals and must spend time in water to survive, they also need to surface regularly to breathe. If a turtle cannot reach the surface, it can get waterlogged and suffocate, essentially drowning.

Read on as we delve deeper into understanding the breathing mechanisms of turtles and how different circumstances can get them into life-threatening situations.

Turtle 101: Understanding their Aquatic Life

Turtles are fascinating creatures, well-adapted to life in water due to their unique anatomy. Specifically, their respiratory system and shells are designed to help them thrive in aquatic environments.

The Turtle’s Unique Respiratory System

Unlike humans who rely solely on their lungs for oxygen, turtles have a couple of tricks up their shells. While they do have lungs to breathe in oxygen when they surface, they can also absorb it from the water when submerged. Turtles do this through a process known as cloacal respiration – where they extract oxygen directly from the water using tissues in their rear end.

Sea turtles can hold their breath for up to 5 hours under ideal conditions by lowering their heart rate to conserve oxygen. On average, during intense activity, a diving sea turtle can remain submerged for 20-30 minutes while they are actively swimming.

Understanding the Functionality of Turtle Shells

Another significant part of a turtle’s anatomy is its shell, which performs essential functions in protecting these creatures and assisting with their underwater lifestyle. A turtle’s shell is made up of a hard, outer layer and a softer, inner layer. The unique combination provides both durability and buoyancy, helping the turtle stay submerged underwater and resist pressures of the deep.

Underneath the hard outer shell is a layer of soft tissue that includes their rib cage and spine, which are actually part of the shell itself. This integration gives turtles a high degree of structural stability in water, enabling them to withstand strong currents without damage.

While turtles are wonderful swimmers and made for underwater life, they are not fish; they are reptiles. And despite their adaptations for aquatic life, turtles still need to emerge to breathe from time to time. So, in answer to the question, “can a turtle drown?” Yes, it can. If a turtle is trapped underwater and not allowed to surface to breathe, it will eventually use up all its stored oxygen and, sadly, drown.

The Myth: Do Turtles Really Drown?

Yes, contrary to commonly held beliefs, turtles can and do drown. While they are exceptional swimmers and can stay underwater for extended periods, they do require oxygen to survive. So, if a turtle is prevented from surfacing and breathing for a prolonged time, it can ultimately lead to drowning.

Fact Check: Diving into the Science Behind the Myth

Many people mistakenly believe that turtles can breathe underwater like fish, but this isn’t true. Fish have gills that are specially adapted to extract oxygen from the water itself. Turtles, on the other hand, have lungs and need to surface to breathe in air which provides them with oxygen. However, turtles have evolved to be incredibly efficient oxygen users. This ability allows them to hold their breath and stay submerged for hours or even months in some cases. This superhuman feat of breath control happens during their hibernation underwater in winter when their metabolism slows, and they require fewer oxygen supplies.

However, even during hibernation, turtles subtly but periodically need to surface to grab a quick gulp of air. This is because turtles, like humans, are aerobic animals and the primary source of their energy comes from oxygen. If they are faced with a situation where they are unable to reach the surface to breathe, such as being trapped in a net or stuck in a closed pipe, then they can potentially drown in water. They also can’t hold their breath indefinitely during strenuous activities like fighting, fleeing, or swimming against a strong current.

Case Study: Common Instances where Turtles Drown

There have been several recorded instances of turtles drowning under various circumstances. A common scenario is trapping. Turtles, when caught in fishing nets or discarded garbage in the ocean, can get trapped underwater, effectively preventing them from surfacing for air and leading to their drowning. This is a major contributing factor to the declining numbers of certain turtle species.

Another common drowning cause is atypical hibernation conditions. Turtles hibernate in ponds and lakes that freeze over in winter. If these bodies of water freeze to the bottom with no breathable air spaces left, turtles hibernating there can drown.

Lastly, pet turtles can also drown in their aquariums if they don’t have a safe and easily accessible place to get out of the water to breathe or rest. This is particularly common with baby turtles that don’t have as strong swimming abilities and can easily tire and drown.

Key Reasons Why Turtles Drown

Turtles, although amphibious and excellent swimmers, can indeed drown under certain circumstances. They can hold their breath under water for long periods but eventually, they need to resurface to breathe. When unable to come up for air due to various reasons, these fascinating creatures can tragically drown. Here, we will shed some light on the key reasons as to why turtles might drown.

Physical Trauma and Health Issues

One of the main reasons causing turtles to drown is physical trauma or health issues. For instance, illness, injury, or deformity can hinder their swimming ability or even their capacity to float. Accidents such as getting entangled in fishing nets can trap them underwater. Or a lung disease can compromise their ability to stay afloat or hold their breath. When turtles cannot reach the water surface or maintain their equilibrium, they might drown.

Changes in Temperature and Habitat

Environmental changes can also significantly affect a turtle’s survival. A dramatic drop or rise in water or ambient temperatures can leave turtles in a shock-like state known as “cold-stunning” or “heat stress”, rendering them incapacitated and unable to swim to the surface for breath. Moreover, rapid changes in their habitat such as pollution, water contamination, or habitat destruction can also lead to drowning, as turtles may struggle to navigate altered landscapes or deal with the impact of toxins in the water.

Miscalculations during Hibernation or Brumation

Turtles, particularly those living in colder climates, undergo a hibernation-like state known as brumation during colder months. They retreat to the bottom of their aquatic environment, drastically slowing down their metabolic rates and thus their need for oxygen. However, if a turtle has miscalculated the length of its brumation and the available amount of oxygen in the water has depleted, or if it’s disturbed and cannot reach the surface quickly, it can unfortunately drown.

Signs a Turtle is Drowning

Contrary to popular belief, turtles don’t have gills, which means they can’t breathe underwater like some other sea life. Although they can hold their breath for an extended period, they will eventually need to surface for air. Thus, turtles, particularly terrestrial ones, can indeed drown if kept underwater for too long. Being aware of the signs that a turtle is drowning can help turtle owners or enthusiasts intervene and potentially save the animal’s life.

Firstly, a drown drone turtle may appear limp or motionless in the water. This is because lack of oxygen can cause them to lose functionality. You might notice the turtle floating at an angle or upside down, which is an indicator of serious distress. Another sign to look out for is the turtle’s swimming style. If the turtle seems to be struggling, flapping wildly, or unable to dive, it could be at risk of drowning.

How to Prevent Turtle Drowning

Believe it or not, despite their aquatic abilities, turtles can indeed drown. This usually happens due to stress, illness, or a non-ideal habitat that doesn’t cater to their needs. Here are a few steps to take to prevent such a tragic occurrence.

Creating a Comfortable Habitat

The most crucial prevention strategy is the creation of a comfortable, safe habitat for your pet turtle. Ensure the tank is appropriate for its size; the general rule of thumb is 10-gallons per inch of turtle shell. The turtle should be able to comfortably swim and rest.

Additionally, the turtle needs access to a dry basking area where it can completely get out of the water to rest and absorb heat and UV light. This is essential because turtles are cold-blooded animals and require external heat to attain their body temperature. Also, a gradual slope from the underwater area to the basking platform would allow easy access without causing stress, which is a common cause of drowning.

Ensuring Optimum Health

General health and fitness play a significant role in preventing drowning. A sick turtle may not have the strength to swim or reach the surface for air, leading to potential drowning. Regularly monitor your turtle’s health by checking for discolored or swollen eyes, unusual spots on the shell, changes in appetite, or abnormal behavior. A healthy diet also ensures your turtle’s strength and vitality. Feed your turtle a balanced diet comprising of meat, vegetables, and special reptile food.

Appropriate Supervision during Hibernation and Brumation

Turtles, especially those in the wild, are known to hibernate underwater during winter. This state of inactivity called brumation can sometimes lead to drowning due to prolonged submersion. As a turtle owner, always supervise brumation closely, especially if performed in an unnatural or captive environment. Most pet turtle species don’t necessarily need to hibernate if kept warm and fed year-round. If you do allow hibernation, consult with a reptile vet to ensure you’re doing it safely.

What to do if a Turtle Drowns?

Unlike humans, turtles are reptiles and have a different respiratory system that allows them to stay underwater for lengthy periods. However, turtles can still drown if they’re kept underwater for too long without having an opportunity to reach the surface to breathe and refill their oxygen supply. This can occur in various situations, like if a turtle gets stuck underwater, or if it’s too cold for them to move and reach the surface. So what should you do if you believe your turtle has drowned?

The Steps for First Aid

If you’ve found your turtle unconscious under the water, the first step is to get them above water immediately. Hold your turtle upside down to allow any water in its lungs to drain. Ensure that you keep their head lower than the rest of their body. This will help water drain out of their lungs.

Next, perform turtle-friendly CPR. Place the turtle on its back, and extend its neck as gently as possible. Give it artificial respiration by closing its mouth and blowing softly into its nostrils. You can use a small straw to aid this process. Continue this every five seconds for about one minute.

If the turtle still doesn’t show any signs of recovery, starting chest compressions might be necessary. This should be done by applying gentle pressure to its chest cavity. Be very careful as their bodies are delicate, and too much force could cause harm rather than help.

When to Seek Veterinarian Help?

If the first aid steps do not prompt any positive response, it’s best to seek immediate veterinary assistance. Even if your turtle starts showing signs of recovery, a vet visit is still recommended to confirm they haven’t sustained long-term lung damage or other critical issues.

Remember, treating your turtle as soon as possible gives it the best chance of survival. However, it’s always better to prevent such situations from happening. Ensure your turtle’s tank is set up properly with areas where they can easily climb to the surface to breathe. Being vigilant about your turtle’s environment will greatly decrease any risks of accidental drowning.

Awareness: Debunking the Myth

Despite popular belief, turtles aren’t invincible underwater creatures. It’s a common misconception that since turtles live a large part of their lives in water, they can’t drown. In fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth. All types of turtles, whether aquatic, semi-aquatic or terrestrial, need oxygen to live. Unlike fish which extract oxygen directly from the water through their gills, turtles breathe air into their lungs, similar to humans.

Although turtles are able to hold their breath under water for extended periods, they eventually need to surface in order to replenish their oxygen supply. The length of time a turtle can hold its breath depends on the species, its activity level, and the individual turtle’s health and age. While resting or sleeping underwater, some turtles can hold their breath for several hours to an entire day, however, during vigorous activity, they may need to surface every few minutes.

Here is where we need to be aware and conscious about our actions. If a turtle is forcibly kept under water without access to the surface, or if it is trapped underwater while tangled in fishing gear or debris, it will use up its stored oxygen and drown. Sad as it is, many turtles have lost their lives in this way as a result of human activities.

Therefore, although turtles are skilled swimmers and can stay underwater for prolonged periods, they cannot breathe underwater. If prevented from surfacing, they will unavoidably run out of oxygen and drown. This is why it is so critical to keep our waters clean and free of potentially dangerous obstacles for these beautiful creatures. It is also essential to ensure any pet turtles have easy access to a dry area where they can bask and breathe freely.

Resources

https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/reptiles/turtles-caught-abandoned-net
https://www.carleton.edu/arboretum/news/how-do-turtles-survive-the-winter-2/
https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/66/6-Things-You-Might-not-Know-About-Iowas-Turtles