Did You Know Tortoises Eat Meat?

[LeonBlank1995]

I am a very old man. Not very bright, but not a thickie either. I had no idea tortoises ate meat. I thought they were herbivores. Please can somebody tell me they thought this as well. Or am I actually really thick?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-58337369

[ToraToraTora]

lack of knowledge does not mean lack of intelligence. You were right in the most part but there are some omnivorous species.

[Spicerack]

It can't be their natural diet in the wild.
What on earth could they catch?

[douglas9401]

I recall one catching a hare.

[THECORBYLOON]

“Most turtles and tortoises are omnivores, eating plants and food of various kinds, like fish, snails, worms, and insects. Many are strictly herbivores and only eat grasses, leafy plants, flowers, fruits, and even cactus”

“Most land-based tortoises are herbivores, feeding on grasses, weeds, leafy greens, flowers, and some fruits, although some omnivorous species are in this family. Pet tortoises typically require diets based on wild grasses, weeds, leafy greens and certain flowers. Certain species consume worms or insects and carrion in their normal habitats. Most land-based tortoises are herbivores, feeding on grasses, weeds, leafy greens, flowers, and some fruits, although some omnivorous species are in this family. Pet tortoises typically require diets based on wild grasses, weeds, leafy greens and certain flowers. Certain species consume worms or insects and carrion in their normal habitats.”

Hope that clears up any confusion...

[aelmpvw]

good job three toed sloths are arboreal . . .

[Spicerack]

Boom boom. Good one, douglas.

[DTCwordfan]

Now we know the real cause of global warming, tortoises eating red meat. Can someone call Greta?

[Spicerack]

Bound to carrion in their normal habits, corby.

[THECORBYLOON]

DTC, that would be a turtle waste of time...

[davebro]

Would they shell out for a nice steak?

[LeonBlank1995]

I will pay a lot of money to see the insides of a tortoise. In fact I am happy to shell out. sorry.

[Spicerack]

I was watching something last night. There were 12 million geese in this flock, 20 million Gnu in that herd. etc, etc.
All useless critters.
So instead of us cutting back, couldn't we, like, cut back a bit on the extraneous wildlife?

[Gromit]

I assumed they were herbivores, but they are related to Turtles, and I know they are omnivores, so it is not so surprising.

[Ken4155]

Must admit, i didn't know they ate meat until i saw the video. Wonder just how jealous Sir David is of this woman right now :-)