The diamondback terrapin is the state reptile of Maryland and is the official mascot of the University of Maryland. In 1932 it replaced then-current mascot, "the Old Liners." In 1994, the Maryland General Assembly approved legislation to name the diamondback terrapin as the official state reptile and the legally-codified mascot of the University of Maryland. It was only the second university mascot in the nation to receive such a designation (after the University of Florida Gators.) The word Terrapin is derived from an Algonquian Indian word, torope, meaning "edible turtle living in fresh or brackish water." The species was once considered a delicacy to eat and was hunted almost to extinction. Due to successful preservation efforts, it is no longer an endangered species but is still a species of concern. Terrapins have strong jaws for crushing shells of prey. This is especially true of females, who have larger and more muscular jaws than males. On a related note, The Maryland state motto, Fatti maschii, parole femine, translates literally as "Manly deeds, womanly words", or more generally, "Strong deeds, gentle words." However, visiting teams will discover that this is not the case with Terps fans.

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