When hatched, the terrapins are about an inch long. Hatchlings are also a favorite food of herons. Survivors hibernate in the winter. The first cold temperatures signal terrapins to bury themselves in mud banks. Body functions slow down to the point where terrapins do not need to come up to breathe.
Hibernation ends in the spring and mating takes place soon after.
Terrapins can live to be as old as 50. During colonial times, these turtles were a plentiful source of food, and terrapin soup soon went from a dish for slaves and servants to a favorite among all colonists. Demand for terrapins continued into the late 1800s as supplies continued to decrease. Today, terrapin season is closed from May 31 through July 31 to allow for mating and nesting. All harvested terrapins must be at least 6 inches long on the plastron.