Recently smaller terrapins on the 4 inch end of the legal 'slot limit' have been found in area pet stores. Also, MD terrapin have been found in Asian food markets as far away as New York, Ohio and Canada.

Please let us know if you see terrapins for sale with one of the following tags attached through the hind end of the shell, usually a metal or plastic tag attached via a hole drilled through a marginal, or edge scute of the shell.

It's also worth noting animals with neatly edged drill holes in the hindmost shell scutes, or marginals, rather than natural damage that tends to be less symmetrical. These animals may not be identifiable to a specific locality, but researchers frequently use a specific marginal to attach their tag.

If you see such animals, please note the type of tag, what was written on it, the location of the market and any other additional information you can provide. We will relay the information to the appropriate organization.

United States Geological Service metal "monel" tags:

 

Terrapin Institute plastic "floy" tags:

If you find a terrapin with a plastic tag like these above, you can call 410-370-9171 to reach The Terrapin Institute directly.

USGS and TI tags:

Notice the two tags on this female. This turtle was first marked by USGS and was subsequently purchased from a fisherman/seafood dealer before being sold at a food market. The Terrapin Institute then added their own tag before returning her to the Bay.