Painted turtles are not uncommon in woodland pools, rivers, wet meadows, bogs, and slow-moving streams from Maine to Alabama. They are less common in brackish water. This pair was photographed in a brackish marsh in Carlstadt. Painted turtles spend their lives in a small area – most won’t travel more than 100 meters as long as living conditions are favorable. They feed on aquatic insects, snails, small fish, and carrion, though their diet is also about 50% vegetation. When in water, they usually remain submerged. They bask on hummocks, logs, rocks – or tires, if they’re in the meadowlands. They may gather in large groups.