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. Predators are not the only threat to terrapins.
Habitat loss is a big factor.
Terrapins appear to stay close to the beaches and waterways where they are hatched. If traditional nesting areas are altered by waterfront development, it is not likely that the terrapins will nest elsewhere. Bulkheads, stone revetments and even shoreline grass plantings can ruin nesting habitat. Increased motor boat traffic increases the likelihood that terrapins will be hit by propellers. Crab pots in shallow water areas, such as private docks, also pose a problem.