The Diamondback Terrapin is the only North American turtle adapted exclusively to brackish water. Its diamond-shaped growth rings on each scute are distinctive. Once hunted nearly to extinction for turtle soup, it has slowly recovered.
Best time to see a Diamondback Terrapin
The best time to see a Diamondback Terrapin is May–June, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 14,449 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Recent Diamondback Terrapin sightings near you
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