Diamondback Terapins Know how to Beat the Heat

Here's a tip on how to handle the mid-summer heat; act like a turtle! 

“Diamondback terrapins have some great ways for beating the summer heat,” said Rick Jacobson, director of the state wildlife division.  “They’ll bask in the sun before it gets too warm and then swim or float just below the surface of the water with only their heads and noses visible above the surface.”

At the height of the summer, terrapins can be active and easily seen along Connecticut’s coastal coves, creeks, bays, and salt marsh channels, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. They are the state's only turtle that can live in brackish water; a mixture of fresh and salt water.

The females lay eggs this time of year and will abandon the nest if disturbed, according to Jenny Dickson, supervising wildlife biologist.  “If you see a terrapin on a beach... it is important to try to avoid it," she said in a statement.

The terrapin is just one of the turtles in Connecticut getting attention these days as part of the DEEP's Year of the Turtle awareness campaign. The state program is in cooperation with Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC).

What You Can Do to Help

• You can help terrapin conservation by making sure you properly dispose of any food scraps and leftovers you bring to the beach.  Terrapin nests are at risk from predators attracted to beaches and coastal areas by human activities and litter.

• Remember to remove used or excess fishing line and other plastic debris from coastal areas.  Terrapins are air-breathers and can become trapped and drown in improperly discarded materials.

• If you are a boater, navigate carefully in tidal creeks and estuaries where large numbers of terrapins may gather. 

• All turtles should stay in the wild.  Not only is collecting a diamondback terrapin illegal in Connecticut, but it can hurt the population.  

You can learn about diamondback terrapins and other turtles by visiting the DEEP’s “Year of the Turtle” Web page atwww.ct.gov/dep/yearofturtle, as well as subscribing to the Wildlife Division’s Connecticut Wildlife magazine (www.ct.gov/dep/wildlifemagazine).  You also can visit PARCs Web site at www.yearoftheturtle.org.

To view a slideshow of the winners in the "Year of the Turtle" art contest, click here.