While paddling the shoreline of Neskonlith Lake on a hot sunny day,  western painted turtles sunned themselves on logs surrounded by water.   Over an 11km paddle, about 20 turtles were spotted.   Most plunged into the lake as I approached but if I came in drifting, they strained their yellow striped necks out listening for predators, but stayed on top.  

The turtles spend winters under the lake in hibernation.  The mate in the spring and lay eggs inland.   Hatchlings that survive return to the lake to feed under water.   They are omnivorous, feeding on whatever is available.   They prefer an environment with aquatic plants and underwater creatures to feed on, with enough vegetation to hide from predators.  

The underside of the western painted turtle has red (or orange) sections on its underside.   When they scuttle and dive into the lake, we see the painted greens, reds, and yellows plopping into, then under the water.