what is a maryland terp

The Maryland Terrapins is the name given to the athletic teams that represent the University of Maryland, College Park in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I competition. The name "Terrapins" is often abbreviated as "Terps" and was adopted in 1933 after the diamondback terrapin, a turtle species native to the state of Maryland. The teams official colors of red, white, black, and gold have been in use in some combination since the 1920s and are taken from Maryland's state flag. The terrapin, a turtle native to the Chesapeake Bay, was chosen as the mascot because it is a species native to Maryland. The Maryland state reptile is the diamondback terrapin.