The diamondback terrapin is a species of turtle found in Atlantic coastal salt marsh habitat from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to the Gulf Coast of Texas. In the past terrapins were over collected for their meat. Even on the Georgia coast, terrapin populations suffered because of the demand for turtle soup. More recent threats to diamondback terrapins include loss of habitat, road mortality, crab traps, and pollution. Male terrapins are significantly smaller than the females and frequently get trapped and drown in crab traps. The larger females often venture across causeway roads in search of high grounds on which to lay their eggs from May through July. Unfortunately, many of these female terrapins are hit by cars, however, you can prevent this!

Slow Down, Save A Terrapin!

While on the Jekyll Island Causeway or other causeways leading to barrier islands
(St. Simons, Sea Island, Tybee), please follow these suggestions:

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Drive at a safe speed which will allow you to stop for crossing terrapins.

If you see an injured terrapin, please call (912) 635-4444.

Please refer to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center Website for more detailed information about diamondback terrapins and the work we are doing to learn more about them and protect them: www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org