Cape & Islands News

Diamondback Terrapin hatchlings begin to emerge on Outer Cape

First Terrapin Hatchling of the 2009 Season

See video the the turtles emerging below

Photos and story by Don Lewis, "The Turtle Guy"

Tiny 1-inch long, 1/4 ounce terrapin hatchlings began to emerge from the September sands of Lieutenant Island in South Wellfleet on Saturday morning.  After a nesting season that was delayed two weeks by a cool and stormy spring, and an equally cool and rainy summer conditions that slowed down incubation, 41 hatchlings emerged from nests three weeks late in Saturday's warmth and sunshine.

So, watch out below!  Keep a sharp eye on what moves along bayside dirt roads and driveways, and burrows from beneath dune sands from Barnstable to Wellfleet during September and early October.  That pebble rolling across the parking pad might be a turtle baby trying to scurry into the safety of nearby vegetation.

Diamondback terrapins are protected in Massachusetts as a threatened species.  Other turtle hatchling are emerging, too.  Eastern box turtle, spotted turtle, painted turtle and our perenial favorite snapping turtle hatchlings will be poking their heads out of ground in the next few weeks.  If you see a terrapin, don't hesitate to call the 24/7 turtle hotline at 508-274-5108 to report the sighting.  If you're unsure whether it's a terrapin or a snapper, call any way.  The Turtle Journal Team is dedicating to saving the world, one turtle at a time.

Don Lewis, the Turtle Guy, is the founding partner of Cape Cod Consultants, an environmental solutions company that specializes in wildlife and habitat assessments to facilitate development while preserving our natural habitat. Click here to visit the Turtle Journal.

Click on the image below to view video of the emerging Terrapin hatchlings