Box Turtle Update!

The Cranford Health Department, in conjunction with Animal Control Solutions and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish, Game and Wildlife, has issued an updated public advisory regarding the recovery of illegally dumped box turtles.

As of August 3, a total of 162 box turtles have been recovered, including 125 Eastern Box Turtles and 37 Three-toed Box Turtles. The turtles were illegally dumped near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Casino Avenue in Cranford.

Since July 30, staff with Animal Control Solutions have transported recovered turtles from the Cranford Fire Department to the Mercer County Wildlife Center, a facility permitted by NJDEP Fish and Wildlife for the care and treatment of turtles.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Turtles can continue to be recovered and brought to the Cranford Fire Department at 7 Springfield Avenue at least through August 9. The search area is limited to within a half-mile radius from the intersection of Riverside Drive and Casino Avenue, with focus in residential areas.

Three-toed Box Turtles, which are not native to New Jersey and have plainer olive-brown shells, should be brought to the Fire Department if found within a one-mile radius. Wild turtles found outside this radius will be turned away and should be released at their point of capture.

Turtle Care and Release Plans

NJDEP Fish and Wildlife and partner organizations are working with the Mercer County Wildlife Center to care for the turtles, provide medical treatment, and assess their health. The goal is to release as many of the Eastern Box Turtles as possible into areas of suitable habitat.

NJDEP Fish and Wildlife will coordinate the return of Three-toed Box Turtles to state agencies within the range of that species.

Investigation and Questions

An ongoing active law enforcement investigation remains underway. Additional questions can be addressed to NJDEP Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program at nongame@dep.nj.gov.

Find more Cranford government news and updates on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: How many box turtles have been recovered?
A: As of August 3, 2026, 162 box turtles have been recovered, including 125 Eastern Box Turtles (native to New Jersey) and 37 Three-toed Box Turtles (non-native).

Q: What happened to the turtles?
A: The turtles were illegally dumped near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Casino Avenue in Cranford.

Q: Where can I bring a found turtle?
A: Turtles can be brought to the Cranford Fire Department at 7 Springfield Avenue through at least August 9, 2026.

Q: How far from the dumping location should I report found turtles?
A: Eastern Box Turtles should be reported if found within a half-mile radius of Riverside Drive and Casino Avenue. Three-toed Box Turtles should be reported if found within a one-mile radius. Turtles found outside these areas should be released at their point of capture.

Q: How can I identify a Three-toed Box Turtle?
A: Three-toed Box Turtles are not native to New Jersey and have plainer olive-brown shells compared to Eastern Box Turtles.

Q: Where are the recovered turtles being cared for?
A: Recovered turtles are being transported to the Mercer County Wildlife Center, a facility permitted by NJDEP Fish and Wildlife for the care and treatment of turtles.

Q: What is being done to help the turtles?
A: Staff are providing medical treatment and assessing the health of each turtle. The goal is to release as many Eastern Box Turtles as possible into suitable habitat. Three-toed Box Turtles will be returned to state agencies within their native range.

Q: Is there an investigation?
A: Yes, an ongoing active law enforcement investigation is underway to identify who illegally dumped the turtles.

Q: How can I get more information?
A: Contact the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife Endangered and Nongame Species Program at nongame@dep.nj.gov.

Q: Where can I find more Cranford news?
A: Union County Life covers Cranford government news and community updates. Visit unioncountylife.com for more local information.