The Painted Turtle is native to North America and is the most widespread turtle. The western sub-species is the largest of the painted turtles and are found throughout the western U.S. and Canada. They can be located in ponds, wetlands, flood plains, shallow stream, lakes, and rivers. Western Painted Turtles eat plants and animals, including insects, minnows, snails, or crickets. They are prey to squirrels, raccoons, crows, foxes, and garter snakes. Western Painted Turtles swim underwater and can be found basking in the sun frequently.