Northern Diamondback Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin terrapin · Also known as: diamondback terrapin, Maryland state reptile
Maryland’s state reptile and Assateague’s signature marsh turtle. NPS notes diamondbacks prefer estuarine habitats around the island.
Quick facts
| Group | Turtle |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★☆ |
| Habitats | Salt marsh, Coastal bays, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | spring, summer, fall |
How to recognize them
- Patterned shell with concentric “diamond” rings; speckled skin on head and neck.
- Females grow larger than males; strong jaws for crushing mollusks and crabs.
Biology notes
- One of the few turtles specialized for brackish salt-marsh and coastal bay waters.
- Nests on sandy uplands near marsh; hatchlings face heavy predation and road risk.
- Common sight for kayakers in warm months along Assateague bay marshes.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague salt marshes bordering Sinepuxent Bay (National Seashore and State Park).
- Quiet coastal bay creeks west of Ocean City when paddling on a rising/falling tide.
- Marsh overlooks—scan basking logs and muddy gutters.
When to look
- Most active late spring through early fall; winter turtles brumate in mud.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Give nesting females space if you find them crossing dunes or roads.
- Never take terrapins as pets from the wild.
Conservation
- Historic market hunting and habitat loss reduced populations; Maryland protections and marsh conservation help recovery.
