More Than 150 Box Turtles Illegally Dumped in Cranford; Officials Seek Public's Help

More than 150 box turtles were illegally dumped along the edge of a river in Cranford on July 29, 2026. Cranford authorities and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Fish, Game and Wildlife division are asking residents to help locate the missing animals.

Union County Life is covering this public alert and animal welfare incident in Cranford, as part of our ongoing coverage of news and emergencies across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Nearly 100 turtles have been recovered through the efforts of residents, animal control officers, and law enforcement. Officials believe dozens remain missing. The dumped turtles include both Eastern box turtles, which are native to New Jersey, and three-toed box turtles, a non-native species.

Residents who find a box turtle on their property should carefully place it in a clean cardboard box or similar secure container lined with a clean towel or paper towels. Keep the turtle indoors in a dark, room-temperature location away from pets and other wildlife until it can be turned over to authorities.

Recovered turtles should be brought to the Cranford Fire Department, 7 Springfield Avenue, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wildlife officials will collect the turtles there and transport them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for examination and care.

Before any turtle can be returned to the wild, it must be examined by wildlife veterinarians and biologists. Residents are not permitted to keep the turtles as pets because they are part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation. Under state regulations, it is illegal to remove any turtles from the wild, as they are protected species.

Adult box turtles are typically 5 to 7 inches long. Eastern box turtles have highly patterned shells. Three-toed box turtles generally have plainer brown shells, making them easier to identify.

For more information, contact the Cranford Health Department at (908) 709-7238, Animal Control Solutions at (908) 722-1271, or the Cranford Police Department at (908) 272-2222.

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FAQ

Q: What should I do if I find a box turtle in Cranford?
A: Carefully place the turtle in a clean cardboard box or secure container lined with a clean towel. Keep it indoors in a dark, room-temperature location away from pets and other wildlife. Bring it to the Cranford Fire Department, 7 Springfield Avenue, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Q: Where do I bring a recovered box turtle?
A: Take it to the Cranford Fire Department at 7 Springfield Avenue between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wildlife officials will collect it there and transport it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Q: Can I keep a box turtle as a pet?
A: No. Residents are not permitted to keep these turtles because they are part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation. Under state regulations, it is illegal to remove any turtles from the wild as they are protected species.

Q: How many turtles were dumped and how many have been recovered?
A: More than 150 box turtles were illegally dumped on July 29, 2026. Nearly 100 have been recovered through the efforts of residents, animal control, and law enforcement. Officials believe dozens are still missing.

Q: What is the difference between Eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles?
A: Eastern box turtles, native to New Jersey, have highly patterned shells with colorful designs. Three-toed box turtles, a non-native species, have plainer brown shells and are easier to identify.

Q: Who should I contact with questions?
A: Call the Cranford Health Department at (908) 709-7238, Animal Control Solutions at (908) 722-1271, or the Cranford Police Department at (908) 272-2222.