Illegal dumping of more than 150 turtles sparks rescue effort in Cranford
Wildlife officials say every recovered turtle must be examined by licensed veterinarians and biologists before it can be released back into the wild.
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The Cranford Fire Department is asking residents to keep an eye out after more than 150 box turtles were illegally dumped along the edge of a river in town, launching a large-scale rescue effort and an active law enforcement investigation.
The turtles were discovered Wednesday, July 29. According to the Cranford Fire Department, the group includes both Eastern box turtles, which are native to New Jersey, and Three-toed box turtles, a species not native to the state.
Through a coordinated effort involving residents, animal control officers and law enforcement, nearly 100 turtles have already been recovered, however they believe more are still in the area and are asking anyone who finds one to turn it in.
Wildlife officials say every recovered turtle must be examined by licensed veterinarians and biologists before it can be released back into the wild. Their goal is to return as many healthy turtles as possible to their natural habitat.
Residents who find a box turtle are asked to carefully place it in a clean cardboard box lined with a towel or paper towels and keep it indoors in a dark, room-temperature location away from pets and other wildlife.
The turtles can be dropped off at the Cranford Fire Department, located at 7 Springfield Ave., between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., where they will be picked up by licensed wildlife rehabilitators for treatment and evaluation.
Officials say residents are not permitted to keep any of the turtles because they are part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation. Box turtles are also protected under New Jersey law, making it illegal to remove them from the wild.
Anyone with questions or who finds a turtle is asked to contact the Cranford Health Department at (908) 709-7238 or Animal Control Solutions at (908) 722-1271.
Authorities have not released any information about who may have dumped the turtles, and the investigation remains ongoing.
