During a late April stroll along the beach I discovered this tiny Diamondback Terrapin. These creatures live in the Delaware inland bays and lay their eggs in spring to summer along the sandy dunes. They are a non-migratory species that rarely exit the water unless they are laying eggs. The sandy beaches of Delaware are VITAL to them in continuing reproduction and are certainly a species that needs human's help in preserving their habitat, beach front development and beach restoration projects negatively jumble these creatures habitat. Juvenile Terrapins love low marshy areas that make it easier for them to feed, mostly on small crustaceans. Their habitat MUST include both the bay and marsh areas for them to really thrive, which is why Lewes has been a home for them longer than you and I.
