Photo from the Field

Slow down, don’t tailgate and help a terrapin cross safely!

by Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager

Female terrapins often cross roads to find suitable nest sites along the Jersey Shore. © Ben Wurst
Female terrapins often cross roads to find suitable nest sites along the Jersey Shore. © Ben Wurst

This week the annual nesting season of northern diamondback terrapins began. Females leave protection of our coastal estuaries to seek out suitable nest sites, course gravel and sand, which is often along roadsides. These individuals often cross roads to get to these nest sites. Please be courteous of terrapins and slow down, leave a greater following distance, and help a terrapin cross when you see one on the road.