In the 1700s, terrapin was fed to slaves on Maryland's eastern shore, so much in fact, that it led to protests. In an early effort at conservation, Maryland passed a law in 1878 making it illegal to take terrapins between May and October. However, in 1920, the catch was down to 823 pounds, and it was clear that the terrapin was in danger of being completely wiped out. In 1929, more laws were made to protect the terrapin that still exist today. Terrapin enemies include muskrats, crows, raccoons and skunks, which dig up the nests and eat the eggs and baby terrapins.
Raccoons also attack adult terrapins.
Many are killed by cars when they cross the road at the marsh edge to lay eggs. New Jersey has turtle crossing signs to alert motorists and protect the turtles.