Diamondback Terrapins love the coastal waters of Mattapoisett and Marion! Since 2016, the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) has been studying this population of terrapins in the Southcoast area, including the towns of Mattapoisett, Marion, and Wareham. As NECWA continues to study this species, we realize that we need your help. No one knows your hometown better than you! This beautiful turtle is the only North American species that lives in brackish water, such as salt marshes and estuaries. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Diamondback Terrapins are classified as threatened due to habitat loss and environmental destruction.
There are many threats to Diamondback Terrapins that live in Mattapoisett, Marion, and the surrounding areas. Development in coastal areas, increases in coastal erosion, and other negative impacts of climate change have reduced the amount of suitable nesting habitat for this species. And the increase in animals that eat terrapins or predate their nests, including raccoons, skunks, and foxes, have impacted the population and reduced the number of successful nests each season.
From June through mid-July, female terrapins come out of the marshes and estuaries to lay their nests on beaches, lawns, and other sandy areas. As these females search for a suitable place to nest, they can find themselves in dangerous areas like busy roads and streets. If you see a female terrapin crossing the road, please avoid her and stop if conditions are safe for you. Move her across the road in the direction that she was heading so that she can continue on her way. Then report your sighting to the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) through our website at www.necwa.org.
NECWA would love to hear about the terrapins you see this season, especially nesting females. If you see a Diamondback Terrapin nesting near your home, or if have an idea of where they may be nesting, please call NECWA’s sighting hotline at 508-566-0009. Terrapin Sighting hotline: 508-566-0009. Report a Sighting Online: www.necwa.org