VENTNOR, New Jersey — Since childhood, Evelyn Kidd has been using a fishing net to save diamondback terrapins from storm drains, a practice she is now handing down to her own children.
She believes most of the tiny turtles get stuck there when crossing the road to go from their nest to the bay.
After rescuing the terrapins, Kidd transports them to either Ray Scott’s Dock or Stockton University.
The Vivarium Animal Lab at Stockton University has been spearheading a diamondback terrapin rescue initiative since 1989. Here, young terrapins are nurtured until they are strong enough for release, and injured terrapins have the opportunity for rehabilitation.
The Vivarium is also equipped to rescue eggs from mother terrapins harmed or killed while crossing roads. By managing the incubation temperature, they ensure that all emerging terrapins are female, aiding in the repopulation of females lost in the wild.
The Vivarium is currently at capacity to accept large influxes of rescued terrapins, but are able to aid those who are severely injured or have eye impairments.
They encourage those who find terrapins to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If a terrapin is found healthy, their advice is to release them into a nearby brackish-water bay around sunset.
Diamondback terrapins should never be kept as pets.
For more information, visit the Stockton University website.
