Did You Know…
- Diamondback Terrapins Turtles nest between late May and mid-July.
- They are the only turtles that live in the brackish water of the marsh.
- Before coastal development, they laid their eggs in the dunes by the ocean…now they lay them anywhere they can – even in people’s yards.
- They lay 8-12 eggs and may come out to nest up to 3 times in a season.
- Their eggs hatch 8-12 weeks later, and while some hatchlings emerge in the late Summer or early Fall, many hibernate and don’t emerge until the following Spring.
- Only 3 eggs out of 3000 survive to become mature adults…they need our help!
- If you see Diamondback Terrapins crossing the street, help them go in the direction they’re headed, BUT THINK “SAFETY FIRST” and always use caution whenever you step into the street.
- Please don’t stand over turtles taking photos or videos while they are nesting…this may frighten them and they’ll walk away.
- Vehicles cause approximately 500 terrapin deaths in this area each nesting season.
- Other dangers to Diamondback Terrapins include boats and crab traps without Terrapin excluders, which can be obtained at any bait store and easily attached to the trap.
- If you see an injured Terrapin, please call Susan or Steve Ahern at 609-263-7358. If the Aherns are not available, please follow the instructions on their answering machine.
Please drive slowly and be on the look-out for Diamondback Terrapins crossing the road!
