18 Turtles in New Jersey – Species Guide & Conservation Facts

New Jersey’s Turtles: New Jersey is home to 18 species of turtles, including 13 freshwater/brackish turtles and 5 sea turtles found off the coast. Many of the inland species, like the Eastern Painted Turtle and Common Snapping Turtle, are common and widespread.

Others are quite rare or in decline – for example, the tiny Bog Turtle is critically endangered and the Wood Turtle is threatened. Each species has unique habitat needs, diets, and legal protections. New Jersey’s pet turtle laws allow most native species to be kept with a permit (two species are exempt from permits), but collection from the wild is largely illegal.

Below you’ll find an in-depth guide to all 18 turtles of the Garden State, how to identify them, where they live, what they eat, and their conservation status and rules.

Before deciding to keep any native turtle as a pet, please consider adopting from a rescue or obtaining a captive-bred animal from a reputable source. Never release pet turtles into the wild – this can harm native populations. Also be mindful that five sea turtle species visit New Jersey’s waters; all of these marine turtles are protected by law and should be admired only from a distance if you’re lucky enough to spot one. Now, let’s dive into the details of New Jersey’s turtle species.

*Conservation Note: The IUCN global status of the Green Sea Turtle was upgraded to “Least Concern” in 2025 after decades of conservation efforts. However, all sea turtles remain protected under U.S. law (Endangered Species Act) and their trade or capture is strictly prohibited.

Turtles in New Jersey (Freshwater & Land Species)

1. Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)

A Bog Turtle in a mossy wetland. This tiny turtle (about 4 inches long) has a dark shell and a distinctive orange patch on each side of its neck.

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Glyptemys muhlenbergii
• Common Names: Bog Turtle, Muhlenberg’s Turtle
• Size: 3.5–5 inches (9–12.5 cm)
• Lifespan: 30–50+ years in the wild (some documented over 60 years

Distribution & Habitat: Bog Turtles are North America’s smallest turtles and occur in scattered colonies from New England to the Southeast. In New Jersey, they mainly inhabit secluded wetlands – sphagnum bogs, wet meadows, and marshy pastures in the northwestern and southern parts of the state.

They favor soft, mucky soil with shallow water and tussock vegetation. Populations are very localized due to the specific habitat needs and often go unnoticed even where they exist.

Identification: This species is easy to recognize if seen up close. Bog Turtles have a dark brown or black shell (carapace) with a low keel (ridge) on the back. The most striking feature is the bright orange (or yellow) patch on each side of the head, behind the eye.

Their plastron (belly shell) is black with some yellow or orange markings. Bog Turtles are extremely small – adults are only about 4 inches long – making them hard to find in dense marsh plants. They are diurnal (active by day) and often bask in muddy patches or on logs but will quickly hide under vegetation or mud if disturbed.

Diet: Omnivorous. Bog Turtles feed on a variety of small wetland invertebrates and plant matter. Their diet includes insects, larvae, snails, worms, and slugs, as well as seeds and occasional carrion. They often forage in muddy substrates for food. Despite their tiny size, they play a role in controlling insect and snail populations in their habitat.

Threats & Conservation: The Bog Turtle is Critically Endangered globally and listed as an endangered species in New Jersey (it’s also the official NJ State Reptile). The primary threats are habitat destruction (draining of wetlands for development or agriculture) and illegal collection for the pet trade. Invasive plants that overgrow and dry out bogs also contribute to habitat loss. Bog Turtles have been protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1997.

Legal status: It is illegal to own or collect Bog Turtles in New Jersey – no permits are issued for this species. Conservation agencies actively protect remaining bog habitats and monitor populations. If you encounter a Bog Turtle in the wild, enjoy the sight from a distance and never remove it. Report any suspected poaching or habitat disturbance to NJ Fish & Wildlife.

2. Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina
• Common Names: Eastern Box Turtle, Common Box Turtle, Woodland Box Turtle
• Size: 4–7 inches (10–18 cm)
• Lifespan: 40+ years in the wild (potentially up to 100 in captivity)

Distribution & Habitat: Eastern Box Turtles live on land and are found across most of New Jersey, though they are uncommon and declining. They prefer terrestrial habitats like moist woodlands, thickets, and wet meadows, often near streams or ponds.

You might spot one in a forest underbrush or crossing a rural garden. They require humid environments with plenty of cover (leaf litter, logs) and access to soft soil for burrowing. In hot weather, box turtles often soak in muddy wallows or puddles to stay cool and hydrated.

Identification: This is a small terrestrial turtle with a very domed shell that can close completely (hinged plastron allows it to box itself in). The carapace is usually dark brown or black with vibrant yellow or orange streaks and spots, giving each turtle a unique ornate pattern. The skin is brown with orange/yellow markings, especially on the head and forelimbs.

Males typically have red eyes and a concave plastron (for mating), while females have brownish eyes and a flat plastron. An Eastern Box Turtle’s high dome and bright splashes of color make it unmistakable. They are slow movers and often stay within a limited home range.

Diet: Omnivorous with broad diet. Eastern Box Turtles roam in search of food such as insects (caterpillars, beetles), worms, slugs, and snails, as well as wild berries, mushrooms, and succulent plant matter. They have a strong sense of smell and will also scavenge on carrion (like dead animals) or fallen fruits. This varied diet helps control pests and disperse seeds. They tend to forage in the morning or after rain when the forest floor is damp and active with worms and slugs.

Threats & Conservation: Eastern Box Turtles are listed as a species of Special Concern in New Jersey due to declining numbers. Globally, they are considered Vulnerable to extinction. Major threats include habitat loss (development of woodlands and suburban sprawl), road mortality (many are hit by cars when crossing roads), and collection for the pet trade.

Box turtles have delayed maturity and low reproductive rates, so populations recover slowly. Legal status: In NJ, Eastern Box Turtles can be kept as pets only with a state permit, and taking them from the wild is illegal.

If you see a box turtle on a road, if safe, you can help it across in the direction it was heading – otherwise it’s best to leave it in its home territory. Protecting wooded habitat and creating turtle-friendly road crossings are key conservation actions for this species.

3. Northern Red-Bellied Cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris)

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Pseudemys rubriventris
• Common Names: Northern Red-Bellied Cooter, American Red-Bellied Turtle, Redbelly Turtle
• Size: 8–12.5 inches (20–32 cm)
• Lifespan: 30–55 years

Distribution & Habitat: The Northern Red-Bellied Cooter is one of the largest freshwater turtles in New Jersey. It is found primarily in the southern half of New Jersey, with some populations in a few northern counties near the Delaware River. These turtles thrive in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers with soft, muddy bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation.

They prefer water bodies with ample basking sites (like logs or rocks) since they spend a lot of time sunning themselves. This species is more common further south (e.g., in Maryland and Virginia); in NJ they are at the northern end of their range, and populations are not very dense.

Identification: Red-Bellied Cooters are large, dark-shelled turtles. The carapace is black to brown or olive, often with faint reddish or yellow markings on each scute. As their name implies, their plastron (underside) is often salmon-red to reddish orange – this coloration is most vivid in juveniles and adult females. They have yellowish stripes on their head and limbs, but unlike Painted Turtles, the striping is thinner and the head lacks any red ear marking. Males tend to be smaller than females and have elongated foreclaws (used in courtship). When basking, these heavy-bodied turtles may appear almost all black from a distance, except for the red hue on their sides or belly.

Diet: Omnivorous (plant-leaning). Young Red-Bellied Cooters are more carnivorous, eating snails, insect larvae, crayfish, and other invertebrates. As they mature, they shift to a more herbivorous diet, grazing on aquatic plants, algae, and the occasional fruit that falls into the water.

Adult cooters help control invasive aquatic weeds by feeding on them. They usually forage in the water, using their sharp-edged jaws to tear vegetation. Their diet flexibility helps them thrive in vegetated ponds but also means they require healthy plant growth in their habitat.

Threats & Conservation: Globally, the species is considered Near Threatened. In New Jersey, Northern Red-Bellied Cooters face threats from habitat degradation (wetland drainage, pollution) and competition with introduced species like Red-Eared Sliders.

They were historically harvested for food in some areas, but this is now banned. Legal status: They are a native species that can be kept in NJ with a permit, but collection from the wild is not allowed. Roadkill is a concern where turtles migrate between water bodies.

Conservation efforts include protecting key pond habitats and maintaining vegetated buffers around wetlands. Because of their relatively stable status elsewhere and presence in some protected areas of NJ, the Red-Bellied Cooter’s outlook is better than that of more sensitive turtles, but continued monitoring is needed.

4. Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin)

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Malaclemys terrapin terrapin
• Common Names: Northern Diamondback Terrapin, Diamondback Terrapin
• Size: 5–9 inches (13–23 cm), females larger than males
• Lifespan: 25–40 years

Distribution & Habitat: The Northern Diamondback Terrapin is unique to coastal brackish water habitats. It is the only turtle in New Jersey adapted to live in tidal salt marshes, estuaries, and coastal bays.

Terrapins are found along the entire NJ coastline, from the Sandy Hook area down through the salt marshes of Barnegat Bay and the wetlands behind barrier islands, all the way to Delaware Bay.

They thrive in marsh creeks and tidal pools where fresh and salt water mix. Terrapins spend most of their life in water but often bask on mudbanks or creek edges at low tide. During nesting season (late spring to summer), females come ashore on sandy edges or dunes to lay eggs.

Identification: Diamondback Terrapins have a striking appearance. They get their name from the diamond-shaped growth rings on their carapace scutes, which form a concentric pattern. The shell color can range from light gray to brown or nearly black.

The skin is a pale gray or white with many small black spots or flecks, and they have a characteristically wrinkled neck. Terrapins’ limbs are strong and fully webbed for swimming. Males are much smaller (around 5 inches) while females can approach 9 inches and have broader heads.

A female’s head is noticeably stout – an adaptation for crushing hard-shelled prey. The contrast of the speckled skin and patterned shell makes the terrapin one of NJ’s most eye-catching turtles if you’re lucky to observe one closely.

Diet: Carnivorous with a taste for seafood. Diamondback Terrapins feed primarily on marine and estuarine animals. Their favorite foods include crustaceans (crabs, fiddler crabs), mollusks (snails, clams), clams, and barnacles, as well as marine worms. They use their powerful jaws to crush shells. They will also eat insects, fish, and carrion if available, and occasionally nibble on marsh plants or algae (though animal prey makes up the bulk of their diet). By preying on periwinkle snails and other marsh herbivores, terrapins play an important role in saltmarsh ecology (helping prevent overgrazing of marsh grass). Terrapins typically forage during high tide in shallow creeks.

Threats & Conservation: Diamondback Terrapins were once harvested heavily for food (terrapin soup was a delicacy). Today, they face threats from drowning in crab traps, getting hit by vehicles (females often cross roads near marshes to nest), and habitat loss as coastal marshes are developed or altered.

Predation on nests by raccoons and foxes is also high in some areas. Conservation measures in NJ have included installing turtle excluder devices on crab pots and a statewide ban on harvesting terrapins (since 2016). Globally, terrapins are assessed as Vulnerable due to declining populations.

Legal status: In New Jersey, Diamondback Terrapins are not listed as endangered, but they are protected – no wild collection or harvest is allowed, and a permit is required to keep them in captivity. Many coastal communities have “Terrapin Crossing” road signs to warn motorists during nesting season. Continued protection of coastal wetlands and reducing crab-trap bycatch are key to terrapin conservation.

5. Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Graptemys geographica
• Common Names: Northern Map Turtle, Common Map Turtle
• Size: 4–10.5 inches (10–27 cm), females larger
• Lifespan: 20–30 years (wild estimate)

Distribution & Habitat: Northern Map Turtles in New Jersey are primarily found in the Delaware River and its tributaries. Their presence in NJ is mostly along the Delaware River border in the north/west (e.g., Delaware Water Gap area) and some reports from larger northern lakes or reservoirs.

They favor large water bodies with moderate currents, such as rivers, canals, and big lakes. Map turtles need fairly clean, deep water with plenty of aquatic vegetation and abundant snails/crayfish (their food). They also rely on fallen logs or rocks for basking sites.

In NJ, look for them in the Delaware River or big stretches of the Raritan or Passaic where they may have been introduced. They seldom venture far from water except for nesting.

Identification: True to their name, Map Turtles have a pattern of fine yellow lines on the carapace that resembles the contour lines of a map. The carapace is olive to brown and often has a somewhat jagged or serrated rear edge. A low keel may be present on juveniles and some adults.

Yellow markings also adorn the head and limbs – notably, Northern Map Turtles usually have a small yellow “postorbital” spot or blob behind each eye (one way to tell them from other Graptemys species). Females grow much larger and have broader heads, adapted for crushing shelled prey.

Males are petite (4–6 inches) with narrower heads and longer tails. Map turtles are shy – they will slide off their basking perches and dive at the slightest disturbance, making them hard to approach.

Diet: Primarily Carnivorous (Molluscivore). Northern Map Turtles feed heavily on aquatic snails, clams, and crayfish. Females, with their powerful jaws, crunch through the shells of snails and mussels on the river bottom. Males eat smaller prey like insects, larvae, and smaller snails.

They will also take aquatic insects, tadpoles, and carrion. Occasionally, they consume some aquatic plants or algae, but animal prey is the mainstay. By consuming mollusks, map turtles help keep snail populations in balance. They usually forage underwater, often in the shallows of rivers or lakes, scraping snails off rocks and submerged logs.

Threats & Conservation: The Northern Map Turtle is considered Least Concern globally (stable overall). In New Jersey they are at the edge of their range and not very common. Threats include water pollution (since they need clean water for mollusks to thrive), habitat fragmentation by dams (which can alter river flow and temperatures), and human disturbance.

They can also get caught on fishing lines or hooks accidentally. Legal status: Map Turtles are not listed as endangered in NJ, but as with all native turtles (except two species), a permit is required to keep them and wild collection is banned.

Maintaining water quality in the Delaware River and protecting riverbank nesting sites are important for their local conservation. If you see map turtles basking, enjoy from a distance with binoculars – they scare easily and repeated disturbance can prevent them from basking enough.

6. Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum)

• Family: Kinosternidae
• Scientific Name: Kinosternon subrubrum
• Common Names: Eastern Mud Turtle, Common Mud Turtle
• Size: 3–5 inches (7.5–12.5 cm)
• Lifespan: 30–50 years

Distribution & Habitat: The Eastern Mud Turtle reaches the northern limit of its range in New Jersey. In NJ, it is found mostly in the southern half of the state, with a few isolated records in the northern counties.

Mud Turtles inhabit shallow, quiet wetlands. Think of muddy-bottomed ponds, boggy swamps, marshes, and ditches with plenty of aquatic vegetation. They prefer areas with soft mud where they can burrow and with abundant leaf litter or vegetation for cover.

Mud turtles often utilize ephemeral water bodies and can travel short distances over land to find new ponds. In NJ’s Pine Barrens region, for example, they occupy cedar swamps and bogs. These turtles spend a lot of time walking on the bottom of their ponds and can also estivate (go dormant) on land during hot, dry periods.

Identification: Eastern Mud Turtles are small, nondescript turtles with an oval, smooth carapace that lacks a keel. The shell color is usually a drab brown, gray, or olive, sometimes looking a bit “muddy.”

The plastron is large and yellowish-brown with dark seams, and it has two hinges (allowing the turtle to partially close up, though not as tightly as a box turtle). The skin is dark gray to brown. One helpful trait: mud turtles have a pair of fleshy barbels (small whisker-like projections) on their chin and throat.

Their feet are webbed but not heavily so (they are not strong swimmers, more like walkers). Because of their plain appearance and aquatic habits, mud turtles can be easily overlooked in a marsh. They can emit a strong musky odor from glands if handled (a common trait in the musk/mud turtle family).

Diet: Omnivorous (small animal prey focused). Eastern Mud Turtles feed on a variety of small aquatic animals. They consume insects, aquatic beetles, crustaceans, snails, and tadpoles, as well as carrion or dead fish they scavenge.

They will also eat seeds, algae, or aquatic plants occasionally, but the majority of their diet is meaty. Mud turtles are opportunistic foragers, crawling along the bottom and snapping up whatever edible items they encounter in the muck.

They have a good sense of smell and often feed at dawn or dusk. Due to their small size, they generally avoid larger prey and focus on things like insect larvae, worms, and small mollusks.

Threats & Conservation: The Eastern Mud Turtle is fairly Secure globally (Least Concern), but in New Jersey it is uncommon and somewhat localized. Loss of wetland habitat is the primary threat – draining of swamps or conversion of marshes to development can eliminate mud turtle colonies.

Pollution and runoff can also degrade their shallow wetland homes. They can survive in seasonal wetlands by burrowing into mud during droughts, but extended habitat drying (perhaps from climate change) could be a concern.

Legal status:

Not listed as endangered in NJ, but protected from wild collection (permit needed for possession). Given their secretive nature, there hasn’t been as much detailed study on NJ mud turtle populations. Wetland conservation initiatives in southern NJ indirectly benefit mud turtles. If you are exploring a swamp in the Pine Barrens, tread carefully to avoid disturbing these little turtles hidden under the mud and vegetation.

7. Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)

• Family: Kinosternidae
• Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus
• Other Names: Eastern Musk Turtle, “Stinkpot” Turtle
• Size: 3.5–5 inches (9–12.5 cm)
• Lifespan: 30–50+ years

Distribution & Habitat: The Common Musk Turtle ranges widely and is found throughout most of New Jersey in suitable habitats. They prefer slow-moving, shallow waters with soft bottoms – such as muddy creeks, swamps, marshy ponds, and canals.

Musk turtles often inhabit the same wetlands as snapping turtles or painted turtles, but because of their small size, they stick to the shallows with lots of plant cover, overhanging banks, or debris to hide under.

In NJ, they are frequently found in the northern and central counties in marshes and streams, and also in the southern swamps. They rarely travel on land except to nest or occasionally during rains to move to a nearby water source. Musk turtles can even climb a bit – they have been known to scramble up fallen logs or branches in the water.

Identification: Common Musk Turtles are small but quite distinctive if seen closely. They have a domed, oval shell (often algae-covered and obscured) that is usually dark brown or gray-black and lacks bold markings. The head is relatively large for the body and features two prominent yellow or white stripes running from the nose along each side of the head and neck.

The chin and throat have fleshy barbels. The plastron is small and has a single weak hinge; it’s usually yellowish-brown with black patches on the corners. Because the plastron is reduced, you can see their fleshy sides when they walk.

Musk turtles earned the nickname “stinkpot” because they can release a foul musky odor from glands when threatened. If you ever pick one up (not recommended, as they may bite and definitely will stink!), you’ll know why. In the water, they often walk along the bottom or rest with only their nostrils at the surface to breathe.

Diet: Omnivorous (mostly carnivorous). Common Musk Turtles are bottom feeders, foraging in muddy substrate and among leaf litter in the water. They eat a lot of aquatic insect larvae, beetles, crustaceans (like crayfish), snails, small clams, and worms.

They will also scavenge carrion, including dead fish or amphibians. Plant material is a smaller part of their diet, but they might consume some algae or fallen seeds incidentally. Musk turtles often feed at night – they have even been observed hunting underwater in complete darkness using their sense of smell.

Because they can’t swim as powerfully as some turtles, they tend to ambush or slowly stalk prey on the pond bottom rather than chase fish in open water.

Threats & Conservation: Common Musk Turtles are widely distributed and currently not threatened (IUCN ranks them as Least Concern). In New Jersey they are relatively common in the right habitats.

However, they face many of the same pressures as other freshwater turtles: habitat loss, water pollution, and roadkill (they can sometimes wander from a drying pond). Predation of eggs and hatchlings by raccoons, skunks, and herons can be high.

One unique threat to musk turtles is entrapment in trash – they are small enough to get stuck in discarded cans or bottles in wetlands, so reducing litter in waterways helps. Legal status: Musk turtles can be kept in NJ with a permit; like others, wild collection is illegal.

Overall, the “stinkpot” is doing well, thanks to its secretive habits and adaptability. It often escapes notice, which might be its best protection. If you encounter one, remember it’s harmless (unless provoked) – enjoy a look but don’t handle it, for its sake and yours (your hands will thank you!).

8. Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta)

Note the dark shell with red edging on the marginal scutes and the yellow stripes on its head – classic pattern of a painted turtle.

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta picta
• Common Names: Eastern Painted Turtle (no other common names)
• Size: 4–7 inches (10–18 cm)
• Lifespan: 30–50 years

Distribution & Habitat: Painted Turtles are the most common turtle in New Jersey and are found in virtually every county. New Jersey has the Eastern Painted Turtle subspecies. They live in freshwater habitats.

Especially liking shallow ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow streams with soft bottoms and plentiful logs or rocks for basking. You’ll often see them in city park ponds, farm ponds, and even drainage ditches that hold water.

They tolerate a wide range of conditions, from pristine lakes to somewhat mucky, human-made ponds. Because they are so adaptable, Eastern Painted Turtles are abundant in the wild. Their prevalence is one reason New Jersey law allows this species to be owned as a pet without a permit (captive-bred only, not wild-caught).

Identification: The Eastern Painted Turtle is a medium-small aquatic turtle with vibrant markings. Its carapace is smooth and dark (black or olive brown) with no keel, and along the edges of the shell (marginal scutes) you’ll see red-orange striping.

The plastron is tan or yellowish, often unmarked or with a faint symmetrical pattern down the middle. Eastern Painted Turtles have distinctive yellow streaks on their head and neck, and notably, this subspecies has aligned scutes on the carapace (the seams of the scutes form straight rows rather than alternating).

Males are smaller with longer front claws and longer tails, while females grow larger and have shorter claws. When basking, a Painted Turtle’s red and yellow markings are very visible, making it one of the most colorful turtles in NJ. Juveniles have the brightest coloration.

Diet: Omnivorous. Painted Turtles eat a mix of animal and plant matter. They commonly consume aquatic insects, dragonfly larvae, snails, tadpoles, and small fish (especially dead or injured fish they can catch).

They also feed on aquatic plants and algae, and will happily scavenge on carrion such as deceased fish or amphibians. Young painted turtles tend to be more carnivorous, gaining more herbivorous tastes as they age.

In many ponds, they are the cleanup crew that eats dead organisms and helps keep the water clean. They typically forage in morning and late afternoon, often in shallow water among vegetation where they can ambush invertebrates or nibble on plants. Their varied diet contributes to their success in many different environments.

Threats & Conservation: Painted Turtles are considered Least Concern and are thriving over much of their range. In New Jersey they have no special conservation status because they remain plentiful. That said, local populations can be affected by habitat loss (wetlands being filled or polluted) and road mortality.

They are often the turtle species seen trying to cross roads in spring or summer, which puts them at risk. Legal status: Eastern Painted Turtles are one of two native species in NJ that do not require a permit to own (the other is the Common Snapper), due to their abundance.

Still, it’s illegal to take them from the wild – any pets should be captive-bred. Overall, the hardy Painted Turtle is doing well.

Simple measures like installing “turtle crossing” signs near wetlands and creating basking logs in restored ponds can further help them. If you have a backyard pond, don’t be surprised if a painted turtle shows up – they are nature’s colonizers of every available pond!

9. Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

These introduced turtles have olive shells and a characteristic red stripe behind each eye, as seen on the one climbing on top.

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
• Common Names: Red-Eared Slider, Red-Eared Terrapin, Water Slider Turtle
• Size: 5–8 inches (13–20 cm)
• Lifespan: 20–40 years

Distribution & Habitat: The Red-Eared Slider is not native to New Jersey, but it has become established in many areas due to released pets. Originally from the Mississippi River basin (southern U.S.), sliders are now found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers throughout New Jersey.

They are most common in suburban parks, golf course ponds, and other man-made water bodies where pet turtles were dumped. Sliders thrive in warm, quiet waters similar to painted turtle habitat – with muddy bottoms and ample basking sites.

In NJ’s climate, they can survive the winters by hibernating in mud. You might see them basking alongside painted turtles and cooters. Because they are hardy and breed in the wild here, the Red-Eared Slider is considered an invasive species in New Jersey.

Identification: Red-Eared Sliders are medium-sized aquatic turtles that closely resemble the native Painted Turtles but have a few key differences. The most notable feature is the red or orange-red patch behind each eye (the “red ear”). Their skin is dark green to brown with yellow stripes.

The carapace is olive green with yellowish bars or markings on each scute, often becoming darker and almost black in older individuals. The plastron is yellow with a pattern of dark smudges. Sliders have a slightly more elongated shell than painted turtles, and their back marginal scutes are not as flared with red.

Males tend to have very long front claws and elongated tails; females grow larger overall. Because sliders are so common in the pet trade, they’re often the “mystery turtle” found in local ponds. If you see a green turtle with a red ear mark basking on a log in NJ, it’s a Red-Eared Slider.

Diet: Omnivorous & opportunistic. Red-Eared Sliders are known for being enthusiastic feeders – they eat almost anything they can catch or scavenge.

Their diet includes aquatic insects, snails, tadpoles, small fish, and carrion, as well as a significant amount of aquatic vegetation, algae, and plant material. Young sliders are more carnivorous, while adults consume more plants.

They have powerful jaws to bite aquatic plants and can be seen tearing apart lily pads or duckweed. In environments like park ponds, sliders readily learn to beg for food and will eat human scraps or fish food, which is not necessarily healthy for them. Their omnivorous diet and aggressive foraging can put them in competition with native species for food resources.

Threats & Conservation: Globally, Red-Eared Sliders are not threatened – in fact, they are listed among the “world’s worst invasive species” due to their success in colonizing new areas. In New Jersey, the presence of sliders is a result of pet releases, and they may pose a threat to native turtles by competing for basking sites, food, and nesting areas.

They can also introduce diseases to wild turtles. Legal status: Interestingly, NJ includes the Red-Eared Slider in its list of native species that require a permit to possess (likely to discourage new acquisitions). It is illegal to release sliders (or any pet turtle) into the wild in NJ.

There is no active eradication, but wildlife officials discourage further introductions. If you have an unwanted pet slider, do not release it – instead, contact a reptile rescue or animal shelter. While sliders are here to stay in many NJ ponds, educating the public about responsible pet ownership is key. The species does not need conservation help – rather, our native turtles need protection from the slider’s proliferation.

10. Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

This large snapper has a massive head, powerful hooked jaw, and a ridged, dark carapace. Its long tail has saw-toothed keels.

• Family: Chelydridae
• Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina
• Other Names: Eastern Snapping Turtle, Snapper
• Size: 8–18 inches (20–46 cm) shell length; up to 30+ lbs in weight
• Lifespan: 30–50 years (some over 70 in captivity)

Distribution & Habitat: The Common Snapping Turtle is found statewide in New Jersey. It is NJ’s largest freshwater turtle and inhabits almost any permanent body of fresh or brackish water – including ponds, lakes, swamps, rivers, canals, and even somewhat polluted wetlands that other turtles avoid.

Snappers prefer water with muddy or sandy bottoms and lots of submerged logs or vegetation to hide in. They are highly aquatic and usually only emerge fully from the water for nesting or occasional overland travel. You might see their heads poking up in a marsh or encounter one walking across a road or yard (especially nesting females in early summer). Their ability to tolerate brackish water sometimes leads them into tidal creeks near the shore, though they primarily stay in fresh water.

Identification: Snapping Turtles have a very rugged, prehistoric appearance. They have a large, flattened carapace that is often covered in algae and has three faint keels running front to back (more pronounced in young snappers). The shell is usually dark brown or olive.

The plastron is very reduced (small cross-shaped), leaving much of their sides exposed. A snapper’s head is huge in proportion, with a sharp hooked beak and strong jaws. They have a long, muscular neck and can stretch their head far out.

The tail is as long as the shell and is topped with dinosaur-like triangular spikes along its length. Snappers have hefty claws on their webbed feet. Young snappers are small but quickly develop the rough look. In water, they often sit on the bottom poised to ambush, with only eyes and nostrils visible from above. On land, they cannot fully withdraw into their shell, so they have a defensive aggressive posture if threatened (hissing and striking).

Diet: Omnivorous apex predator and scavenger. Common Snapping Turtles will eat almost anything they can get. They are powerful hunters, known to eat fish, frogs, tadpoles, crayfish, aquatic insects, snakes, and even unwary ducklings.

They also kill and eat other turtles on occasion, and have been documented catching adult frogs and small muskrats. Snappers are opportunistic – a large part of their diet is actually carrion and decaying matter, which they scavenge from pond bottoms.

They also consume aquatic plants, algae, and fallen fruits (especially in summer when plant matter is abundant). Because they often sit camouflaged, fish may swim close enough to be snapped up. Despite their fierce reputation, they also perform a cleanup role by eating sick or dead animals in the water. Snappers typically feed at dusk or at night, but can hunt during the day in turbid waters.

Threats & Conservation: The Common Snapper is abundant and not threatened (classified as Least Concern). In New Jersey they are common and even thrive in suburban environments. They have historically been harvested for turtle soup, but commercial harvesting is now banned or restricted in many places.

In NJ, you are allowed to take a snapping turtle from the wild only for personal consumption (food) and with certain limits – otherwise it’s illegal to collect them. Major threats to snappers are habitat contamination (since they can accumulate toxins due to long lifespans) and road mortality of nesting females.

Their eggs also fall prey to raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but they lay so many (20–40+ eggs) that some usually survive. Legal status: Snapping Turtles are one of two native species in NJ that can be owned without a permit (the other is the painted turtle).

They actually benefit from human-altered habitats like farm ponds and reservoirs, which has expanded their living spaces. While no special conservation programs target the common snapper due to its secure status, protecting wetlands and water quality helps ensure these “dinosaur” reptiles continue to thrive.

If you see a snapper on land, maintain a safe distance – they can defend themselves vigorously. In water, they usually flee and are not a danger to swimmers unless cornered.

11. Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)

This turtle has a leathery, pancake-like shell with dark spots and a long snorkel-like snout.

• Family: Trionychidae
• Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera (subspecies in NJ is A. s. spinifera)
• Common Names: Eastern Spiny Softshell (no other widely used names)
• Size: 5–17 inches (12–43 cm), females much larger than males
• Lifespan: 20–50 years

Distribution & Habitat: The Eastern Spiny Softshell is not very common in New Jersey; it has a limited range in the Delaware River drainage in the extreme southwestern part of the state. They have been recorded in parts of the Delaware River and adjacent tributaries in Salem, Gloucester, and Camden counties. Softshell turtles require large, free-flowing rivers or streams with sandy or muddy bottoms.

They love sandbars and need sand or soft soil for nesting. They are also strong swimmers that prefer open water with moderate current. In NJ, the Delaware River’s southern stretches and perhaps the tidal Maurice River provide the right habitat.

These turtles often bury themselves in sand in shallow water with just their head exposed. Due to habitat specificity, their occurrence in NJ is quite localized, and they are considered of Special Concern regionally.

Identification: Softshell turtles look very different from other turtles. The Eastern Spiny Softshell has a flat, round shell with a leathery texture – it lacks scutes. The front edge of the carapace (near the neck) has small, pointed tubercles or “spines” (hence the name).

The shell color is tan or olive with dark spots or blotches, more prominent in females; males are usually more spotted and females develop mottled blotches as they age. The plastron is pale and unmarked. The head and limbs are olive with dark stripes. Softshells have long, tubular snouts which they use like snorkels to breathe while mostly submerged.

They also have very large, webbed feet – looking almost like flippers – aiding their swimming speed. Females grow much larger (often over a foot), while males stay around 5–9 inches and have longer, thicker tails relative to body size.

The combination of a pancake-like profile, snorkel nose, and rapid swimming sets softshells apart. Out of water, they are surprisingly quick on land too, often sprinting to the water if disturbed on a basking spot.

Diet: Carnivorous ambush predator. Eastern Spiny Softshells are active hunters that feed on a variety of aquatic prey. They often lie buried in sand or mud and ambush prey that swims by. Their diet includes crayfish, aquatic insects, tadpoles, frogs, and fish. They will also actively chase prey under water using their speed.

Softshells have sharp, beak-like jaws that can swiftly snap up a fish or crush a crustacean. They occasionally eat mollusks and worms. Unlike many other turtles, they rarely consume plant material. Softshells have to eat more meat to fuel their active lifestyle.

They typically hunt in shallow water along river edges or near submerged logs where fish and amphibians congregate. They are primarily diurnal feeders, often most active in morning and late afternoon.

Threats & Conservation: In New Jersey, the Spiny Softshell is considered rare. The population on the Delaware River is the northern fringe of its range and is vulnerable to a number of threats. Habitat alteration is a big issue.

Things like damming rivers, removing sandbars (for dredging or development), and pollution can reduce the habitat quality for softshells. Because they bask on sandbanks, increased human recreational disturbance on rivers (boating, ATV use on sandbars) can disrupt their behavior.

They also frequently get hooked by anglers or tangled in fishing nets due to their aggressive feeding. Globally, the species is not endangered (Least Concern overall), but local conservation statuses vary. Legal status: In NJ, any possession would require a permit, but essentially these are not pet trade animals.

Protecting the Delaware River’s water quality and sandbank environments is crucial. There are ongoing efforts to monitor their numbers in NJ – any sighting is of interest to biologists. If you kayak or fish in the Delaware and see a odd “pancake turtle,” it’s likely a softshell – appreciate this unusual turtle and give it space. They are fast and can bite if handled, so it’s best for both of you to avoid close encounters.

12. Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)

Its smooth black shell is sprinkled with bright yellow spots. Note the yellow-orange spots on the head and the orange hue on the cheeks of this individual.

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata
• Common Names: Spotted Turtle, “Polka-dot” Turtle
• Size: 3.5–5 inches (9–12.5 cm)
• Lifespan: 25–50 years (some known to 70+)

Distribution & Habitat: The Spotted Turtle is a small semi-aquatic species found in scattered pockets across New Jersey. It has a broad but patchy distribution. Spotteds favor shallow wetlands – including marshy meadows, bogs, small creeks, vernal pools, and swamps that often have a mix of water and land (they like shallow water up to a foot deep).

In NJ, you can encounter them in early spring basking on tussocks or logs in wetlands across the state, but they are never in large numbers. They often use different habitats seasonally (for example, moving to forested vernal pools in spring, then to drier uplands or marsh edges in summer).

Sadly, many historical locations have been lost to development. They are listed as a Species of Special Concern in NJ due to declining populations.

Identification: Spotted Turtles are one of the easiest turtles to identify: they have bright yellow spots scattered over a black shell. The number of spots can range from just a few to dozens. The carapace is smooth (no keel) and black or dark brown in color.

The head is also black with yellow (or orange) spots. The limbs may have orange or reddish scales. The plastron is typically yellow or orange with large black patches in the outer corners. Males usually have darker chin and brown eyes; females often have a yellowish chin and orange eyes, but these differences are subtle.

Spotted Turtles are quite small – about the size of a human palm – making them hard to find in dense vegetation when they’re not basking. Despite the spots, their dark base color provides camouflage among wetland plants and dappled sunlight.

Diet: Omnivorous with small prey focus. Spotted Turtles feed on a variety of tiny creatures in their wetland habitats. Their diet includes aquatic insects, larvae, snails, slugs, crustaceans, and worms, as well as tadpoles and the occasional small fish they might scavenge or catch.

They will also nibble on algae, aquatic plants, and carrion. One common food for spotteds is the multitude of small invertebrates found in marshes – dragonfly nymphs, mosquito larvae, and snails are favorites.

They forage both in water and on land (especially after rains, they might hunt earthworms on the forest floor). Because they are active in cooler temperatures of early spring, they often take advantage of vernal pools teeming with amphibian eggs and larvae. Their varied diet helps them survive in nutrient-poor bog environments.

Threats & Conservation: The Spotted Turtle is classified as Endangered globally and faces serious declines across its range. In New Jersey, it is officially a Species of Special Concern (and protected). The biggest threat is habitat loss and fragmentation – small wetlands are easily drained or degraded.

Spotted Turtles also suffer from illegal collection for the pet trade because of their attractive spotted pattern (this is a major problem, as their low reproductive rate cannot sustain removal). Other threats include road mortality when they wander between wetlands, and nest predation by raccoons/skunks (which is exacerbated by habitat fragmentation).

Legal status: It is illegal to collect or sell Spotted Turtles in NJ. A permit is required even for scientific possession. Conservation efforts focus on preserving networks of small wetlands and connecting corridors.

Some populations in NJ persist in protected wetland reserves, but even there, climate change (altering wetland hydrology) could impact them. If you come across a Spotted Turtle, take a photo and appreciate it, but never remove it. These little gems of NJ’s wetlands depend on us keeping their boggy homes intact and off-limits to collectors.

13. Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)

The shell has a rough, sculpted appearance like carved wood, with raised pyramidal scutes. The legs and neck show orange/red skin coloration.

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Glyptemys insculpta
• Common Names: Wood Turtle (no other widely used names)
• Size: 5.5–8 inches (14–20 cm)
• Lifespan: 40–60 years

Distribution & Habitat: The Wood Turtle is a semi-terrestrial turtle native to the northern and central parts of New Jersey. It has become quite rare. Wood Turtles require a combination of clean, moderate-flowing streams and adjacent upland or floodplain forests.

They spend winters in the streams (often under water, breathing through their skin) and venture on land in spring and summer to forage in woods, meadows, or along stream edges. In NJ, they historically ranged in the northwest (Upper Delaware watershed) and parts of the northeast and central region.

Today, many Wood Turtle populations have declined or vanished due to habitat loss. They are usually found in relatively pristine habitats – a clear rocky stream with surrounding woods or farmland with limited human disturbance is prime Wood Turtle country. They have seasonal movements: during breeding they stay near water, and later in summer they may roam uplands, then return to stream for winter brumation.

Identification: Wood Turtles have a very distinctive shell that appears as if each scute was carved by a whittler. The carapace is rough and sculpted, with growth rings that form raised pyramids on each scute (giving a textured, corrugated look).

The shell color is brown or grayish with faint yellow lines or a wood-grain pattern. The plastron is yellow with large black blotches. One of the most striking features is the skin on their neck and legs – Wood Turtles often have bright orange or reddish coloration on their throat, legs, and underside of neck.

This orange coloration is more vivid in males. Males also have a concave plastron and larger heads, while females have a flat plastron. Because Wood Turtles are often on land, they can sometimes be mistaken at a quick glance for a box turtle, but the rough shell texture and orange skin are giveaways. They are quite personable and intelligent as turtles go – studies have shown Wood Turtles can learn from experience, especially when foraging.

Diet: Omnivorous (with clever foraging habits). Wood Turtles eat a mix of plant and animal matter. In the wild, they feed on slugs, earthworms, insects, berries, fungi, and leafy vegetation.

A famous behavior of Wood Turtles is “stomping” the ground to trick earthworms to surface – they literally thump their front feet or plastron on the ground to mimic raindrop vibrations, causing worms to emerge which the turtle then eats.

They may also search under logs for beetles or snails, and snatch caterpillars or other invertebrates in the underbrush. In water, they can hunt tadpoles or scavenge dead fish. They also happily consume wild strawberries, mushrooms, and young shoots of plants.

This diverse diet means Wood Turtles need access to both land and water food sources. They are often most actively feeding in late spring when worms and mushrooms are abundant on the forest floor.

Threats & Conservation: The Wood Turtle is listed as Endangered globally and is Threatened in New Jersey. They have suffered from extensive poaching for the pet trade (their bright coloration and manageable size made them targets – a highly illegal practice that still occurs).

Additionally, habitat destruction – development along rivers, deforestation of stream corridors, and intensive agriculture – has greatly reduced available habitat. They are also very vulnerable to lawn mowers and farm machinery when they wander into fields. Being semi-terrestrial, they often fall victim to road traffic as well.

Wood Turtles have low reproductive output (females don’t breed until ~14-18 years old, and eggs and hatchlings have high mortality), so populations recover slowly if at all. Legal status: In NJ, it is illegal to collect or possess Wood Turtles.

They are a high conservation priority. Efforts are underway to protect stream corridors, enforce anti-poaching laws, and identify critical habitats. Some NJ landowners participate in stewardship programs to maintain Wood Turtle-friendly properties (e.g., postponing hay mowing until after turtle active season).

The Wood Turtle’s presence is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem – by saving this species, we also save the beautiful streams and forests it calls home.

Sea Turtles in New Jersey’s Coastal Waters

Five species of sea turtles can be found in the ocean waters off New Jersey, especially during the warmer months. All sea turtles are migratory and spend most of their time in the open ocean, but they occasionally venture near the Jersey shore to feed.

These turtles are all Threatened or Endangered species internationally, and they are protected by federal and state law – it is illegal to harm or harass them. Sea turtles are not year-round residents in NJ; they typically appear in late spring and summer when ocean temperatures rise, and many head south by late fall.

However, sometimes young sea turtles get trapped in our waters as temperatures drop – leading to “cold-stunning” (hypothermia) if they don’t migrate out in time.

If you are on a NJ beach and encounter a sea turtle (either stranded or swimming offshore), you should report it to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center or Sea Turtle Recovery (see FAQ for contact info). Below is an overview of each sea turtle species seen in New Jersey’s coastal waters:

14. Atlantic Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Green turtles have smooth, heart-shaped shells and paddle-like flippers. The shell is olive with radiating brown patterns.

• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
• Common Names: Green Sea Turtle (Atlantic population)
• Size: 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) in shell length
• Weight: 200–400 pounds as adults
• Lifespan: 70–100 years

NJ Presence: Green Sea Turtles are occasionally observed in New Jersey’s ocean waters and back bays during the summer. Typically juveniles or sub-adults wander up this far north (adults tend to stay in more tropical waters).

They might be seen feeding in the coastal bays on algae or sea grass, or swimming offshore. They are not very common compared to Loggerheads or Kemp’s Ridleys in NJ, but sightings do occur each year. The best chance to spot one is July–September in the southern NJ coastal bays or near jetties where algae grows.

Identification: The Green Sea Turtle is named for the greenish color of its body fat (due to its diet of sea grass). Externally, it has a smooth, oval or heart-shaped carapace that is olive to brown with beautiful radiating mottled patterns.

Unlike some other sea turtles, it does not have scales overlapping (no ridges) – the shell is smooth. The plastron is pale yellow or whitish. Green turtles have a single pair of scales (prefrontal scales) between their eyes (helpful if you’re close enough to see).

They have large paddle-like flippers adapted for long-distance swimming. Often there are small barnacles or algae on their shell. A Green Turtle’s head is relatively small and blunt compared to a loggerhead. Juveniles might be 1–2 ft in shell length when they venture into NJ waters, while a fully adult female can be 3+ ft long and extremely bulky (300+ lbs). They are generally gentle herbivores and not aggressive.

Diet: Mostly Herbivorous (unique among sea turtles). Green Sea Turtles primarily eat sea grasses and algae. In tropical areas, they graze on sea grass beds like “underwater cows,” maintaining healthy sea grass meadows.

Young green turtles, however, are more omnivorous and will eat jellyfish, crustaceans, and sponges when small. By the time they reach adulthood, their gut has adapted to efficiently digest plant matter. In New Jersey’s waters, greens might nibble on eelgrass or sea lettuce in the back bays.

They have finely serrated jaws to help cut vegetation. This plant-based diet is why their fat has a greenish tinge (and historically why they were sought as food – “turtle soup”). Their dependence on sea grass means they tend to linger in shallow coastal areas with ample vegetation.

Threats & Conservation: Globally, the Green Turtle was long classified as Endangered, but thanks to conservation efforts, its status was recently improved to Least Concern (2025 global assessment). However, this doesn’t mean they are free of threats.

They face serious challenges from bycatch in fisheries (accidentally caught in nets, shrimp trawls), boat strikes, plastic pollution (they may ingest plastic bags mistaking them for jellyfish), and loss of nesting beaches to development.

In New Jersey, any Green Turtle is a transient visitor and is protected by law. Sometimes young green turtles cold-stun (become immobile in cold water) if they fail to migrate south by late fall – these individuals can be rescued and rehabilitated by organizations like Sea Turtle Recovery.

Legal status: All sea turtles in NJ (including Green) are federally listed under the Endangered Species Act; Greens are listed as Threatened in the Atlantic (some populations Endangered). It is illegal to touch or harass them. If you see one in distress, call marine wildlife authorities.

Conservation actions that benefit Green Turtles include protecting water quality (so sea grass beds remain healthy) and enforcing use of turtle-excluder devices (TEDs) in fisheries. Thanks to decades of conservation, Green Turtle numbers are rising in some areas, a rare success story. Continued vigilance is needed to ensure these ancient mariners remain on a positive trajectory.

15. Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Hawksbills have a pointed, beak-like snout and a beautiful amber-patterned shell with overlapping (imbricated) scutes.

• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
• Common Names: Hawksbill Sea Turtle
• Size: 2.5–3 feet (76–89 cm) in shell length
• Weight: 100–150 pounds as adults
• Lifespan: 30–50 years (estimated)

NJ Presence: Hawksbill Sea Turtles are primarily tropical and are very rare visitors to New Jersey waters. They prefer coral reef habitats (which NJ lacks). Once in a great while, an individual juvenile might wander up the Gulf Stream current and end up in the Mid-Atlantic region.

There have been only a few confirmed sightings or strandings of Hawksbills in NJ over the years. Thus, encountering a Hawksbill in NJ is unlikely. If present, it would be in the warmest late-summer ocean waters offshore. Most NJ records are of juveniles carried by currents, not actively feeding here. Essentially, they are an occasional stray and not part of the typical NJ sea turtle fauna.

Identification: Hawksbill Turtles are strikingly beautiful. They have a more elongated shell compared to Greens or Loggerheads, often with a pronounced overlap of the scutes (the rear of each scute overlaps the one behind it – hence the name “imbricata”).

The carapace has a tortoiseshell pattern in amber, brown, and black; this attractive shell was historically used for “tortoiseshell” jewelry, contributing to their decline. The head of a Hawksbill is narrow with a very sharp, bird-like beak – this is an adaptation for picking food from crevices in coral reefs.

The flippers each have two claws. Hawksbills also often show a serrated edge on the rear of the carapace. They are smaller than Loggerheads and Greens on average. If one were seen in NJ, it might be confused with a Loggerhead at a distance, but the hawksbill’s shell pattern and beak are distinctive up close. The plastron is yellow. Juvenile hawksbills can sometimes have vivid coloration with streaks of orange, red, and black on the carapace.

Diet: Omnivorous (Coral reef specialist). In their normal habitat, Hawksbill Sea Turtles are primarily spongivores – they eat certain species of sea sponges that few other animals can eat. This diet is why they stick to coral reefs and rock outcrops. They will also eat soft corals, anemones, and jellyfish.

Their sharp beak allows them to reach into reef crevices to bite off sponges and invertebrates. They have been known to consume shellfish and sea urchins occasionally, and also algae if other food is scarce. In the context of NJ, since Hawksbills are not normally feeding here, there isn’t a local diet to describe.

If a Hawksbill is drifting in our waters, it’s likely not feeding much at all (or maybe nibbling on some jellyfish or barnacles). Their highly specialized sponge diet is tied to tropical coral ecosystems.

Threats & Conservation: Hawksbill Sea Turtles are Critically Endangered globally. They were slaughtered by the hundreds of thousands in past centuries for the tortoiseshell trade (their shells were literally harvested to make combs, jewelry, etc.).

Although that trade has been outlawed, illegal poaching still occurs in some regions. Other threats include coral reef loss (due to climate change, ocean acidification, and destructive fishing), egg harvesting, and entanglement in fishing gear.

Because they often live near reefs that are popular tourist destinations, boat strikes and coastal development also impact them. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting beaches and reef habitats, as well as enforcing bans on the tortoiseshell trade.

Legal status: Hawksbills are protected under the ESA (Endangered) and international treaties (CITES). In New Jersey, any Hawksbill sighting is of a federally protected animal and should be reported. The rarity of Hawksbills in NJ means we don’t have specific local measures, but the best way we help Hawksbills is by supporting global reef conservation and refusing to buy any “tortoiseshell” products.

If you ever were lucky to encounter a Hawksbill in the wild (likely somewhere tropical), it’s a special experience – these are among the most beautiful of all turtles, and every individual is vital to the species’ recovery.

16. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)

Kemp’s Ridleys are the smallest sea turtles, with round gray shells.

• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys kempii
• Common Names: Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, Atlantic Ridley
• Size: 2 feet (60 cm) in shell length (adult)
• Weight: 70–100 pounds (adult)
• Lifespan: ~30 years (shorter than other sea turtles)

NJ Presence: Kemp’s Ridley is the sea turtle most often found in New Jersey’s waters (especially juveniles). They are the smallest and most cold-tolerant of sea turtles, which allows young ones to venture into the temperate seas of the Mid-Atlantic.

Each summer, juvenile Kemp’s Ridleys forage in the coastal shallows of NJ, especially in Delaware Bay and along the southern Jersey Shore. They arrive in late spring and depart by early fall. Unfortunately, they are also the most frequent victims of cold-stunning on NJ beaches come November/December if they linger too long.

Sightings in NJ might include a Kemp’s ridley chasing crabs in the bays or swimming near jetties. Because of their small size, they can be hard to spot unless you’re looking down from a pier or boat in clear water.

Identification: Kemp’s Ridley is the smallest sea turtle species. They have a circular or heart-shaped carapace that is usually olive-gray. The shell in adults tends to be uniformly grayish and without bold markings.

The plastron is pale yellow or white. Kemp’s have a relatively broader, rounded head (but not as large as a loggerhead’s head). One way to distinguish a Kemp’s Ridley from the similar-looking Loggerhead juvenile is size (Kemp’s are smaller as juveniles) and the number of prefrontal scales on the head: Kemp’s have 2 pairs, loggerheads have more.

Kemp’s Ridleys also often hold their front flippers nearly perpendicular when swimming (anecdotal observation by rescuers). When seen from above, a Kemp’s Ridley might look almost as wide as long, with a light gray back.

They are sometimes confused with Green Turtles when young, but Kemp’s shell is more rugose and the scutes don’t overlap as in Hawksbills. Adults reach only about 2 feet in shell length – about the size of a big manhole cover – making them genuinely small compared to other sea turtles.

Diet: Carnivorous (coastal benthic feeder). Kemp’s Ridley turtles love crabs – in fact, their favored prey is the blue crab (which is abundant in Delaware Bay). They will also eat other types of crabs, as well as shrimp, clams, mussels, fish, and sea urchins.

Essentially, they are hunters of the sandy and muddy coastal bottom. Their jaw structure is powerful enough to crunch crab shells. Juveniles will also snatch small fish and scavenge dead organisms.

Kemp’s often forage in relatively shallow water (10–50 feet deep), cruising the bottom for movement and scent of prey. In NJ, a Kemp’s Ridley might patrol along jetties or tidal creek mouths, grabbing fiddler crabs or scavenging horseshoe crab eggs in the bay.

Unlike greens (herbivores) or leatherbacks (jellyfish specialists), ridleys are generalist carnivores focusing on whatever invertebrates are easiest to catch in the nearshore environment.

Threats & Conservation: Kemp’s Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world – listed as Critically Endangered. Their story is sobering: they had a single primary nesting beach in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, and were nearly wiped out in the mid-20th century due to overharvesting of eggs and females.

In 1947, a famous film showed 40,000 females nesting in one day; by the 1980s, only a few hundred nests total were found in a year. Conservationists have worked tirelessly to protect nesting sites and head-start hatchlings. The population is slowly rebounding but still perilously low.

Threats include bycatch in fishing gear (they often get caught in shrimp trawls, though use of TEDs – Turtle Excluder Devices – has helped reduce this), oil spills (the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 hit the Gulf of Mexico, home of Kemp’s ridley, very hard), and climate change altering their natal beach conditions.

In New Jersey, the primary threats are cold stunning and boat strikes. Every fall, some juveniles fail to migrate south and end up cold-stunned on NJ beaches; many of these can be saved if found in time, through rehabilitation. Legal status: Federally Endangered and fully protected.

Intensive international efforts (US-Mexico cooperation) continue to try and save this species. On a hopeful note, Kemp’s Ridley nesting numbers have slowly increased from their nadir, but they have a long way to go.

If you find a small gray sea turtle on a Jersey beach, it is likely a cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley – contact the stranding hotline immediately. Each rescued turtle truly matters for this species. Through collective efforts, we aim to ensure these little gray “sea crabs crunchers” remain in our oceans for generations to come.

17. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Leatherbacks are huge, dark, with a flexible shell and longitudinal ridges.

• Family: Dermochelyidae
• Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
• Common Names: Leatherback Turtle, Leatherback Sea Turtle
• Size: 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 m) in shell length
• Weight: 600–1,500 pounds (the largest marine turtle)
• Lifespan: ~30+ years (exact lifespan not well documented)

NJ Presence: The Leatherback is the largest and most migratory sea turtle, and it does visit New Jersey waters – typically in the summer when jellyfish (their prey) are abundant. Leatherbacks can tolerate colder water than other sea turtles, so they are sometimes seen off the NJ coast even into early autumn.

They tend to stay further offshore, in deeper waters beyond the breakers, where jellyfish swarms (like lion’s mane or moon jellies) occur. There are regular reports of Leatherbacks off the Jersey Shore, and occasionally they come close enough that boaters or even surf fishermen spot them.

They do not come ashore on NJ beaches except when sick or deceased (they nest in the tropics only). Leatherbacks passing by NJ are usually on their way to or from Canadian feeding grounds or the Caribbean nesting grounds. They are a truly oceanic species, and seeing one is a special event.

Identification: Leatherback Turtles are distinct from all other sea turtles – they have no hard shell with scutes. Instead, their carapace is a flexible, leather-like dermal layer with embedded tiny bone plates, and it has 7 prominent ridges running front to back.

The overall color is black or dark gray with scattered white spots. The body shape is elongated and teardrop-shaped. Front flippers are extremely long (proportionally the longest of any sea turtle) and paddle-like, without claws.

A Leatherback’s head has a blunt shape and features a deep notch in the upper jaw with sharp cusps (for snagging jellyfish). They are colossal – the largest individuals can weigh over a ton, though those in NJ waters are often subadults in the 600-800 lb range.

Leatherbacks often have patches of pink or light coloration on the head (each has a unique pink spot pattern). When surfacing to breathe, they might be mistaken for floating logs due to their dark, ridged back. Unlike other sea turtles, they lack scales – their skin is rubbery. Given their size and ridges, no other sea creature in NJ looks like a Leatherback.

Diet: Gelativore (Jellyfish specialist). Leatherbacks feed almost exclusively on jellyfish and other gelatinous zooplankton. They travel huge distances to follow jellyfish blooms. A single Leatherback can eat hundreds of pounds of jellies per day.

Their throat and esophagus have spines (papillae) that help trap slippery jellyfish and expel excess seawater. This diet is why Leatherbacks are often found in cooler waters – that’s where seasonal jellyfish blooms happen (like off Nova Scotia or New England).

In New Jersey, Leatherbacks arrive when jellyfish (like lion’s mane jellies, which can get large) are around. They will also consume salps and other gelatinous creatures. They do not generally eat hard or bony prey. Unfortunately, their love of jellies makes them highly susceptible to swallowing plastic bags or balloons, which they mistake for jellyfish – this is a serious mortality cause. Leatherbacks are often found with plastic in their digestive system.

Threats & Conservation: Leatherbacks are listed as Vulnerable globally, but some subpopulations (like the Pacific leatherbacks) are critically endangered. Major threats include entanglement in fishing gear (especially pot lines, gillnets – they often get tangled due to their deep diving and long migrations), plastic ingestion, and egg harvest or predation at nesting beaches.

Climate change also poses risks by skewing sex ratios (leatherback sex is temperature-dependent during egg incubation) and altering ocean currents that carry their jellyfish prey. In New Jersey, entanglement is a notable local threat – each year a few Leatherbacks require rescue from crab pot lines or fishing gear off our coast.

Legal status: Leatherbacks are protected under the ESA (Endangered in US waters) and by various international agreements. The creation of large marine protected areas and modifications to fishing practices (like requiring yield strength weak links in pot gear so that large whales or turtles can break free) help reduce entanglements.

Conservation also focuses on protecting nesting beaches (mostly in Trinidad, Gabon, and other tropical areas). Public awareness in NJ is important too – reporting entangled turtles quickly can save them. If you see a huge dark ridged turtle offshore, enjoy it from a distance; if it appears to be in distress (e.g., stuck in buoy lines), call authorities.

The Leatherback is a relic of a 100-million-year-old lineage, and it’s a privilege that these giants roam NJ’s seas. Continued efforts are needed globally to ensure these “jellyfish slayers” endure for future generations.

18. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) {#loggerhead-sea-turtle}

Loggerheads have a large block-like head with reddish-brown scales, and their carapace is brown and heart-shaped.

• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
• Common Names: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
• Size: 2.5–3.5 feet (76–110 cm) in shell length
• Weight: ~200–400 pounds (some exceptionally up to 500 lbs)
• Lifespan: 70–80 years (long-lived)

NJ Presence: Loggerhead Turtles are the most frequently observed sea turtles in New Jersey after Kemp’s ridleys. Each summer, juvenile and sub-adult Loggerheads migrate into the temperate waters of the Mid-Atlantic, including offshore NJ, to feed.

They can be seen in nearshore ocean waters, around inlet mouths, and occasionally entering bays or harbors. Many NJ boaters and anglers have spotted a Loggerhead’s head popping up in the waves. These turtles typically arrive in late May or June and depart by October as waters cool.

They prefer warmer water than Leatherbacks, so a sudden cold spell can send them south quickly. Juvenile loggerheads will sometimes hunt around the artificial reefs and shipwrecks off NJ’s coast (there’s plenty of crabs and mollusks there). Occasionally, a weakened or sick Loggerhead might strand on a NJ beach. Overall, they are regular seasonal visitors but not permanent residents.

Identification: Loggerheads get their name from their exceptionally large head. Proportionally, their head is massive and broad, with strong jaws for crushing prey. The carapace of a Loggerhead is somewhat heart-shaped or oval and colored in shades of reddish-brown to orange-brown.

The scutes on the carapace often have lighter margins and may grow some algae or barnacles on older individuals. They have 5 pairs of costal scutes (the scutes along the sides of the carapace, touching the edge). The skin is brown with some yellow tones on the underside and flippers.

Loggerheads have two claws on each front flipper. They are smaller than Leatherbacks but larger than Kemp’s Ridleys or Hawksbills. A telling feature is the heavy, blocky head which distinguishes them from other sea turtles at similar size.

When surfacing, a Loggerhead’s head might be mistaken for a piece of driftwood due to its brown color, until it moves. Adult females that nest in the southeastern US average around 300 lbs, but the ones seen in NJ are often adolescents in the 50–150 lb range.

Diet: Carnivorous (hard-shelled prey specialist). Loggerheads are equipped with powerful jaws that can crush conchs, whelks, and crabs. Their diet consists mainly of crustaceans (crabs, lobsters), mollusks (whelks, clams), and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates.

They will also eat jellyfish, squid, and the occasional fish if it’s easy to catch, but they really love hard-shelled prey. In New Jersey, a foraging loggerhead might dive to wrecks or rocky reefs offshore to crunch on crabs and large snails (sea whelks are common in the Mid-Atlantic).

They also follow horseshoe crab spawning – feeding on horseshoe crab eggs or injured crabs. Loggerheads often fall victim to fishing gear because they go after bait (like fish or squid on longlines). Interestingly, they have been known to consume oceanic snacks like floating clumps of sargassum weed and the small creatures within it.

Young loggerheads in the open ocean phase will eat a lot of pelagic crabs and pteropods. But once they’re big, the bulk of diet is benthic goodies. This diet of high-calorie shellfish fuels their migrations.

Threats & Conservation: Loggerhead Sea Turtles globally are considered Vulnerable, though certain regional populations are classified as Threatened or Endangered. In the US Atlantic, loggerheads are listed as Threatened under the ESA.

The major threats to loggerheads include bycatch in fisheries (they frequently get caught in shrimp trawls, longline hooks, and gillnets – TEDs in shrimp trawls have helped reduce this), coastal development (nesting beaches disturbed by lighting, structures, human presence), and marine pollution (ingesting debris, oil spills).

In New Jersey, the primary issues are entanglement in fishing gear (some loggerheads get entangled in pot lines or gill nets near shore) and cold-stunning if they don’t leave before water temps drop. Also, boat strikes can injure them.

Legal status: As a Threatened species, loggerheads are protected from harm or harassment. Conservation measures that benefit loggerheads include fishing regulations (e.g., TEDs, time-area fishing closures), protecting nesting beaches in the Southeast US (where NJ’s visiting loggerheads likely hatched), and rescue networks for cold-stunned turtles.

New Jersey participates in the broader conservation by rehabbing any stranded turtles and educating boaters to be turtle-aware. Internally, NJ doesn’t host loggerhead nesting (they nest from Virginia southward), so our role is primarily in ensuring our coastal waters are as safe as possible during their visit.

Notably, climate change may be shifting their range northward gradually, so NJ’s waters could see more loggerheads over time. Everyone enjoying NJ’s ocean – whether fishing or boating – can help by disposing of fishing line properly and watching for these magnificent “ocean gliders.” When you see a loggerhead surface and take a breath of Jersey air, you are witnessing a traveler who likely journeyed thousands of miles to be here.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Jersey’s Turtles

How can I help protect New Jersey’s turtles?

There are several ways to help NJ’s turtles:

Protect and restore habitat: Support land conservation efforts, especially for wetlands, forests, and coastal marshes. Many turtles, like the Bog Turtle and Wood Turtle, rely on very specific habitats. Organizations like The Nature Conservancy, NJ Audubon, and local land trusts work to preserve turtle habitats. Even in your own yard, if you live near turtle areas, you can maintain a turtle-friendly space (leave some areas natural, avoid using pesticides that could run off into streams, etc.).

Be a cautious driver: As mentioned, watch out for turtles crossing roads, especially in warm months. Many of NJ’s turtle hotspots are near roadways (like Pine Barrens roads for Box and Wood Turtles, coastal causeways for Diamondback Terrapins). Heed turtle crossing signs. Slowing down a bit in known areas can make a difference.

Never remove turtles from the wild: Wild turtles should stay wild. Poaching is a huge problem. If you see suspicious collection or sales of wild turtles, report it to NJ Fish & Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief hotline. Likewise, don’t release pet turtles into the wild – that’s how invasive species like Red-Eared Sliders spread and how diseases can be introduced. Surrender unwanted pets to shelters or rescues instead.

Support turtle research and rescue: You can volunteer or donate to groups that focus on turtles. For example, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ often has projects for terrapins and bog turtles. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center and Sea Turtle Recovery handle sea turtle rescue – they sometimes need volunteers or funds to rehab cold-stunned sea turtles. Participating in citizen science (like reporting sightings to NJ’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program) also helps – data on where turtles are observed can guide conservation actions.

Public education and advocacy: Spread the word about NJ’s turtles. Many people don’t realize we have such a variety, or that some are endangered. Sometimes relatively small actions, like convincing a local town to install turtle crossing signs or a barrier along a road by a marsh, can save a lot of terrapins. If you’re a boater or fisher, advocate for use of turtle excluder devices and safe boating practices.

Every species has its specific needs, but generally saving turtles means saving the clean water and natural land they need. By being a responsible nature enthusiast and supporting conservation programs, you make a difference. New Jersey may be highly developed, but it still can be a stronghold for these fascinating creatures with our help. Remember, some of NJ’s turtles (like the Bog Turtle) are among the most imperiled in North America – we’re their stewards, and every action counts.

Who do I contact about a stranded or injured sea turtle in New Jersey?

If you find a sea turtle on a New Jersey beach that appears cold-stunned, injured, or dead, you should immediately call for professional help. The primary contacts are:

Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC): This Brigantine-based organization handles all marine mammals and sea turtles in NJ. Their 24-hour hotline is (609) 266-0538
mmsc.org
. Program this number in your phone if you frequent the shore. They have responders trained to handle sea turtles and will get there as soon as possible. Do not attempt to put the turtle back in the water; a cold-stunned turtle needs gradual warming and care.

Sea Turtle Recovery: This is a sea turtle hospital located at the Turtle Back Zoo in NJ. They often take in sea turtles rescued by MMSC for rehabilitation. They have a contact number (609) 667-4076 for reporting sea turtles as well
seaturtlerecovery.org
. You can call them as well, though generally MMSC and STR work together (STR focusing on rehab).

NJDEP Hotline: You can also report to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s hotline at 877-WARN-DEP, and they will route the info to the appropriate responders. But calling MMSC directly is usually fastest for sea turtles.

When you call, be prepared to give an exact location (use landmarks or beach entrance numbers, or coordinates if you have them). If it’s cold-stunned (likely in late fall), time is of the essence – do not try to warm it in your car or house; just shield it from the wind and wait for experts. For an entangled sea turtle in the water (e.g., you see one wrapped in fishing gear or struggling at the surface), you can contact the US Coast Guard or MMSC – do not put yourself in danger to rescue it.

By promptly reporting, you greatly increase the turtle’s chance of survival. Many cold-stunned turtles that get into rehab in time can be nursed back to health and released in warmer waters. Sea turtles are federally protected, so having the professionals handle it is also legally important. Your job as a concerned citizen is to spot, report, and keep the turtle safe until help arrives (and keep crowds/pets away from it). The stranding responders often rely on public tips to save these animals – so don’t hesitate to call if you think a sea turtle is in trouble on a NJ beach or waterway.

Sources:

• NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife – “Turtle & Tortoise Regulations”
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List
• NJ Conserve Wildlife – Field guides and reports on Wood Turtle and Bog Turtle status in NJ.
• Marine Mammal Stranding Center (NJ)
• Sea Turtle Recovery (NJ)

(All information has been verified with the above sources and NJ wildlife authorities. Conservation statuses are current as of 2025 and subject to change as species are reassessed.)