what is a terrapin maryland

A terrapin is a type of turtle that is the official state reptile of Maryland. The diamondback terrapin is the specific species of terrapin that is the state reptile and the official mascot of the University of Maryland College Park. The name "terrapin" comes from an Algonquin word for edible turtles that live in brackish water. Terrapins are unique in that they are believed to be the only turtle in the world that lives exclusively in brackish water. The diamondback terrapin was once over-harvested for its meat, which was considered a delicacy, and protective laws were enacted to prevent its depletion. The University of Marylands mascot, Testudo, is an anthropomorphic turtle that was named after the diamondback terrapin.