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Do tortoises hear sound?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 18, 2026

Can tortoises hear? Yes, very well. Their ears are covered by skin flaps. They sometimes follow your voice.

Can tortoises hear noise?

Are tortoises sensitive to loud sounds? Yes, they may not hear like most other animals or humans, but a tortoise does have quite sensitive hearing. If there are loud noises near them, for example, they will most likely show signs of extreme stress.

Do tortoises recognize their owner?

Tortoises are affectionate creatures, and they readily recognise their owners.

Do tortoises get scared of noise?

Loud Noises

According to SOPTOM, tortoises have sensitive hearing, which has evolved to detect low-frequency sounds. So, they're easily frightened by loud noises. If your tortoise lives in an outdoor enclosure, it may be scared by busy streets and the sound of cars.

Are tortoises deaf?

Hearing. Numerous publications have tried to give the impression that tortoises are virtually deaf, although it is fair to say that their hearing is significantly different to ours and perhaps less sensitive to high frequency sounds, but they are no means deaf.

18 related questions found

Do tortoises get lonely?

No, they don't! Unlike humans and other social animals, tortoises don't necessarily feel the need for any companionship, so they don't get lonely. In the wild, they prefer living solitary lives and spend most of their time alone.

Can tortoises hear high pitched noise?

Numerous publications have tried to give the impression that tortoises are virtually deaf. However, it is fair to say that their hearing is significantly different from ours and perhaps less sensitive to high-frequency sounds, they are no means deaf.

How do I know if my tortoise is happy?

Tortoises are happiest when they're healthy. The signs of a happy tortoise include a strong shell, clear and shiny eyes, dry and wrinkly skin, responsiveness to petting, and a good appetite. They should be active, walking around their enclosure, moving objects about, digging burrows, and climbing.

How do you know if a tortoise is stressed?

Signs Of A Stressed Tortoise

  1. Hiding. A stressed tortoise will spend most of its time hiding. ...
  2. Lethargy. Lethargy is a common sign of stress in tortoises. ...
  3. Loss of Appetite. A stressed tortoise may refuse to eat. ...
  4. Temperature and Humidity. ...
  5. Lighting. ...
  6. Diet. ...
  7. Insufficient Space. ...
  8. Glass Enclosure.

What are tortoises afraid of?

Adult Tortoises Are Afraid Of Wild Animals!

Wild animals such as coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions are all predators of tortoises. From babies through adulthood, tortoises can be threatened by these creatures in the wild.

Do tortoises like being stroked?

In the proper care, however, most tortoises appear to enjoy being touched by their caretakers. In some cases, they extend their necks out while being touched or massaged – a sign that the animal wants to be rubbed some more.

Do tortoises like being picked up?

Sufficiently strong to even break the grip of an unwary adult, a tortoise can suffer great trauma or broken limbs and shell from being dropped. A tortoise should only ever be handled with two hands, they hate being picked up, it is not natural to them.

Why does my tortoise stare at me?

Turtles tend to do the same thing. Turtles and tortoises like to watch their humans when they're feeling affectionate. They may seem particularly interested in something you're doing nearby.

How do tortoises talk?

How to Communicate with Your Tortoise

  1. Be gentle with shy tortoises. If you tap on your tortoise's shell, pick her up unexpectedly, or flip her over, she's going to see this as an act of aggression. ...
  2. Use slow movements. ...
  3. Breathe steadily. ...
  4. Do the boop! ...
  5. You can bob your head, too.

How well do tortoises see?

Tortoises can see 17 feet away, have excellent night vision, and see a range of colors. They can see bright colors, such as red, better than darker colors, such as blue. Due to the position of their eyes, tortoises have good peripheral vision while still being able to see what's in front of them.

Do tortoises have a good memory?

Despite being viewed as slow, simple creatures, tortoises have a good memory. According to the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, a tortoise can remember tasks it's been trained in for at least 9 years, perhaps longer.

Do tortoises cry?

Yes, like sea turtles, tortoises cry too but it's for a different reason. What is this? Since tortoises live on the land where it's not salty, they don't need to remove excess salt through their tears. Instead, tortoises cry to keep dirt from getting in their eyes and to keep their eyes moist.

Do tortoises squeak?

In summary: Banging and butting is generally normal for tortoises, but squeaking and whistling should always be checked by a vet in case it's caused by a respiratory infection. Panting and hissing can also be normal for a tortoise, as it's a precursor to eating.

Do tortoises bond with humans?

Since tortoises are reptiles, they are not capable of feeling “love” as we humans understand it. However, tortoises do show signs of affection and appreciation for their owners. They follow their pet parents around, tolerate handling, eat directly from human hands, and come to us when they see us.

How do I know if my tortoise is sad?

Sadness or Displeasure

A sad or displeased tortoise will seem mopey. They may sit in one spot with their limbs and head tucked in the shell. They may move slowly. They may straight up ignore you.

Can I let my tortoise walk around my house?

Tortoises shouldn't roam around the house. They could get injured, lost, too cold or too hot, fall or get stuck and be attacked. A tortoise roaming around the house might also spread disease.

Can tortoises see in the dark?

Tortoises do have night vision, and are able to see in the dark when they need to. This is due to the extreme amounts of rod cells they have in their retinas in comparison to humans as well as most other animals. Most people would be surprised to learn that tortoises are able to see in the dark.

Can tortoise hear well?

Can tortoises hear? Yes, very well. Their ears are covered by skin flaps. They sometimes follow your voice.

Can tortoise eat bananas?

Bananas can be eaten, and cherries, in strict moderation. Always remember to remove the cherry stone beforehand. These fruits should only be offered in moderation as part of a mixed diet to rainforest species such as the Red footed tortoise and Yellow footed tortoise. Any excess can easily result in diarrhoea.