they sure can. many years ago I had 2 hatcling spotteds and two woods. thought I would put them out for some sun, my rule was twice the length of the shell for the cages, that day it changed. both woods and one spotted turtle gone. I found the spottie and 1 wood. moral of the story is now all my turtles have very secure cages when out doors, also lost a spottie to a predator. you can never be to careful

wayne