6 days ago
‘Be a wildlife hero, brake for terrapins': Officials remind drivers
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) — Wildlife officials are reminding drivers to stay alert and brake for Georgia's diamonds in the marsh.
Diamondback terrapins are salt marsh reptiles native to the Georgia coast. The hand sized turtles are the only turtle in North America that lives exclusively in brackish, coastal waters, the Atlanta Zoo reported.
During their spring nesting season, between April and July, female diamondback terrapins are often hit by cars when trying to reach their preferred nesting grounds.
Terrapins are commonly found nesting on sandy beaches, dunes, hammocks, bluffs, and road or causeway embankments and even in household gardens close to salt marshes, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said.
Over 2,700 terrapins have been hit by a car on Jekyll Island since 2007, according to the Jekyll Island Authority Conservation Department's tracker. As of May 29, 2025, 67 diamondback terrapins have been reported dead on Jekyll.
Officials said the signs posted on Highway 80 and Jekyll Causeway are there to save turtles, and your tires.
Officials ask that you stay alert, brake for turtles and put your phone down when driving.
They shared a comic style series that shoes the real wildlife drama of terrapin's mission eggpossible adventures:
Should you see a terrapin, or have a concern, you can alert the Jekyll Island Authority Conservation Department staff directly using the Terrapin Hotline at 912-270-8865.
If you find an injured, sick or dead turtle you can also contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-2SAVEME (1-800-272-8363).
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