• The Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) was made the state reptile and official mascot of the university in 1994.
  
  
• Chesapeake diamondbacks are distinguished by diamond-shaped, concentric rings on their upper shells.
  
  
• Their preference for unpolluted saltwater make them indicators of healthy marshes and rivers.
  
  
• In winter, they hibernate under water in mud.
• Most of the summer months are spent basking in the sun on the dunes and sandy beaches.
  
  
• Over the years the terrapin population has been depleted.
  
  
• A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Fear the Turtle merchandise goes to the Fear the Turtle Fund for terrapin conservation.