If the terrapin eggs do not hatch before cold weather sets in, the hatchlings may overwinter in the nest and not come out until the following spring. This is not unusual because terrapins and many other turtles hibernate each winter. When the first co ld weather arrives, they bury themselves in mud banks. Their body functions slow down greatly and they do not need to come up to breathe. If there is a break in the cold weather, the terrapins may come out to take advantage of the warmth.
Hibernation ends in the spring and mating takes place soon afterwards.
Most turtles live for a long time, and diamondbacks are no exception. They live to be at least 40 years old, perhaps even longer. However, most do not make it out of the nest or live beyond the hatchling stage. Their enemies include muskrats, crows, r accoons and skunks which dig up the nests and eat the eggs and baby terrapins. Raccoons also attack adult terrapins.