More than 160 turtles recovered after illegal dumping in Cranford
Rescue effort will continue through Aug. 9 as state wildlife officials evaluate the animals and investigate who released them.
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More than 160 box turtles have now been recovered after they were illegally dumped in Cranford, surpassing officials' initial estimate of about 150 turtles.
The Cranford Health Department, Animal Control Solutions and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Fish and Wildlife division said 162 turtles had been recovered as of Aug. 3, including 125 Eastern box turtles and 37 three-toed box turtles. Officials said they still do not know how many turtles may remain unaccounted for.
Recovered turtles have been transported daily to the Mercer County Wildlife Center, where they are being treated and evaluated by wildlife experts.
RELATED: Illegal dumping of more than 150 turtles sparks rescue effort in Cranford
Officials said residents can continue bringing recovered turtles to the Cranford Fire Department through at least Aug. 9. They asked volunteers to limit searches to within a half-mile of the intersection of Riverside Drive and Casino Avenue, where the turtles were first found, and to avoid collecting wild box turtles from parks or other natural areas to prevent removing native animals from their habitat.
The exception is the three-toed box turtle, a species not native to New Jersey. Officials said any three-toed box turtles found within a 1-mile radius of the dump site should be turned in.
The state plans to release healthy Eastern box turtles into a suitable habitat after veterinary evaluations. Three-toed box turtles will be returned to wildlife agencies within their native range.
Authorities said the law enforcement investigation into the illegal dumping remains active.
