Big Help for Tiny Turtles

Every summer, diamond-back terrapin mothers leave the safety of their marshy homes for a dangerous journey. They must travel to beaches to lay eggs. They face obstacles like busy roads and open storm drains. Then, after 8 to 12 weeks, the hatchlings must deal with the same dangers to get back to
the marsh.  

Diamondback terrapins live along the east coast of the United States. As the human population has boomed, the terrapin population has shrunk. In 2018, diamondbacks were listed as a threatened species. 

Every summer, diamondback terrapin mothers leave the safety of their marshy homes for a dangerous journey. They must travel to beaches to lay eggs. They face obstacles like busy roads and open storm drains. Then, after 8 to 12 weeks, the hatchlings must deal with the same dangers to get back to the marsh.  

Diamondback terrapins live along the east coast of the United States. As the human population has boomed, the terrapin population has shrunk. In 2018, diamondbacks were listed as a threatened species. 

Susan and Steve Ahern were already on the case. In 2009, they had founded the Sea Isle Terrapin Rescue in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. 

Their volunteers rescue hatchlings that fall into storm drains. They put up fencing on roads and patrol streets to help turtles cross safely. The volunteers also build nesting boxes so the turtles have a safe place to lay their eggs. 

In 2021, these boxes provided protection for 365 terrapin babies. Steve estimates that his organization has helped more than 3,000 diamondback terrapins over the past 10 years!

Susan and Steve Ahern were already on the case. In 2009, they had founded the Sea Isle Terrapin Rescue in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. 

Their volunteers rescue hatchlings that fall into storm drains. They put up fencing on roads and patrol streets to help turtles cross safely. The volunteers also build nesting boxes so the turtles have a safe place to lay their eggs. 

In 2021, these boxes provided protection for 365 terrapin babies. Steve estimates that his organization has helped more than 3,000 diamondback terrapins over the past 10 years!

Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins are all reptiles with bony shells, scales, and lungs that breathe air. All are cold-blooded and lay their eggs on land.

Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins are all reptiles with bony shells, scales, and lungs that breathe air. All are cold-blooded and lay their eggs on land.

Use your knowledge of area to answer the questions.

Use your knowledge of area to answer the questions.