Found a Box Turtle? Public Advisory on Illegal Dumping and Recovery Efforts

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, it was reported that someone illegally dumped more than 150 box turtles onto the edge of a river in Cranford. The group includes both turtles native to New Jersey and non-native species.

Through coordinated efforts by local residents, animal control officers, and law enforcement, close to 100 turtles have already been recovered. However, additional turtles remain in the area, and Cranford authorities are requesting public assistance in locating them.

The Cranford Health Department, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish, Game and Wildlife division, is leading the response. All recovered turtles must be evaluated by wildlife veterinarians and biologists before they can be released back into the wild.

If you find a box turtle on your property, carefully collect it and place it in a secure, clean cardboard box with a clean towel or paper towels at the bottom. Keep the turtle indoors in a room-temperature, dark room away from household pets or local wildlife.

Bring recovered turtles to the Cranford Fire Department at 7 Springfield Ave between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Turtles will be transferred to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for treatment and care.

Residents are not permitted to keep these turtles as pets, as they are part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation. It is illegal to remove any turtles from the wild, as they are protected species under state regulations.

The Eastern Box Turtle has a patterned shell, while the Three-toed Box Turtle, which is not native to New Jersey, has a plainer brown shell. Both species are approximately 5 to 7 inches in length at adult size.

Contact the Cranford Health Department at (908) 709-7238 or Animal Control Solutions at (908) 722-1271 for questions.

Find more Cranford public safety news and community information on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What happened in Cranford?
A: On July 29, 2026, more than 150 box turtles were illegally dumped along the edge of a river in Cranford. The turtles include species native to New Jersey as well as non-native species.

Q: How many turtles have been recovered?
A: Through coordinated efforts by residents, animal control officers, and law enforcement, close to 100 turtles have been recovered. However, additional turtles remain in the area.

Q: What should I do if I find a box turtle?
A: Carefully collect it and place it in a secure, clean cardboard box with a clean towel or paper towels at the bottom. Keep the turtle indoors in a room-temperature, dark room away from household pets or local wildlife.

Q: Where do I bring recovered turtles?
A: Bring recovered turtles to the Cranford Fire Department at 7 Springfield Ave between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. They will be transferred to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Q: Can I keep a recovered turtle as a pet?
A: No. Residents are not permitted to keep these turtles as pets because they are part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation. It is also illegal to remove any turtles from the wild, as they are protected species under New Jersey law.

Q: How can I identify a box turtle?
A: The Eastern Box Turtle has a patterned shell, while the Three-toed Box Turtle (not native to New Jersey) has a plainer brown shell. Both species are approximately 5 to 7 inches in length at adult size.

Q: What will happen to recovered turtles?
A: All recovered turtles must be evaluated by wildlife veterinarians and biologists before they can be considered for release back into the wild. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators will provide treatment and care.

Q: Who is investigating the dumping?
A: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife division is leading the investigation, assisted by local animal control officers and the Cranford Fire Department.

Q: How can I report a turtle or get more information?
A: Contact the Cranford Health Department at (908) 709-7238 or Animal Control Solutions at (908) 722-1271 for questions or to report a turtle sighting.