Remarkable moment when lucky turtle narrowly escapes the jaws of a monstrous tiger shark off the coast of Australia
- A tiger shark tried to eat a turtle
- Dramatic scenes captured on camera
- Sharks are a threat along the coast of WA
A drone flying over the ocean captured the fighting spirit of a turtle trying to avoid becoming a shark’s lunch.
The turtle narrowly escaped the clutches of a tiger shark in Coral Bay, Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Footage shows the shark circling as it tries to grab hold of the creature, but the predator only manages to scrape the shell with its serrated teeth.
At one point, the shark almost snags the animal, but the turtle miraculously manages to escape.
A tiger shark tried to eat a turtle in Coral Bay, far north of Perth
The turtle twisted and turned, but the shark couldn’t grab hold of it
Dylan Dhaas caught the moment after traveling 1,122km from Perth to the Bay.
He had noticed a stir in the water and at first thought it might be some dolphins playing in the water.
“This big tiger shark was trying to catch the turtle, which is their favorite food on the Ningaloo Reef,” Mr DeHaas said.
However, the turtle evolved with such predators and managed to use its shell to protect itself from the shark.
“The turtle eventually escaped when the tiger shark tried to give up.”
Tiger sharks are known to have the broadest diet of any shark, including turtles, crustaceans, fish, seals, birds, squid, sea snakes, dolphins, and when particularly hungry, smaller sharks.
“It may be hard to watch and everyone usually cheers for the turtle, but at the end of the day, the tiger shark has to eat,” Mr DeHaas said.
“That’s just the circle of life in our oceans.”
Tiger and bull sharks have been a threat in WA waters as of late, with sightings along the west coast and the mauling of a teenage girl in February.
At one point, the shark almost grabs hold, but a few smooth spins allow the turtle to break free
Finally, the turtle is seen swimming hurriedly in the distance