The number of diamondback terrapins killed on Cape May County roads has soared over the past two years.
The Wetlands Institute says turtle deaths jumped by 51 percent from 2007 to last year. The deaths are on pace this year to match the 2008 total of 575.
Pregnant terrapins often cross roads near the shore to lay eggs on high land.
Researchers are looking into whether the increased numbers of deaths reflect an increase in the turtle population or can be explained another way.
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