Turtles protect themselves in several ways. One common defense mechanism is their hard shell, which acts as a shield against predators. Turtles can retract their head, legs, and tail into their shell for protection. Some turtles also have sharp claws to help defend themselves, while others can swim away quickly to avoid danger. Additionally, some turtles have camouflage to blend in with their surroundings and avoid being detected by predators.