The painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) is the most common turtle in North America. It is also the most northerly turtle on the planet. During its first year of life on Earth and to survive the extreme winter temperatures, the painted turtle produces a natural antifreeze that allows it to resist the winter cold. This antifreeze prevents the formation of ice crystals in its cells. The following years, it does not produce any more antifreeze. The turtle finds a place, in a pond or a marsh, where the water will not freeze and slows down its metabolism to the minimum not to spend too much energy.