Snapping Turtle vs. Painted Turtle: Predation & Diet

Snapping turtles are opportunistic predators and will eat a variety of animals, including other turtles. While it is possible that a one-year-old snapping turtle could eat a baby painted turtle, it is not likely to be a common occurrence. Snapping turtles typically prefer to eat smaller prey that are easier to catch and handle. They also tend to hunt in slow-moving bodies of water, such as ponds and marshes, where baby painted turtles are less likely to be found.