Turtles are cool creatures, cold blooded reptiles who have hard shells to protect them from predators. '¢ Most turtles can hide their heads and entire bodies in their shells when attacked. '¢ Turtles have been around for 215 million years. '¢ Sea turtles drink salt water because of glands that can remove salt from saltwater. '¢ The largest turtle species are the leatherback sea turtles that can weigh up to 900 kilograms (2000 lbs).