Turtles in New Jersey

While most of the turtles living in New Jersey are freshwater species like the Common Snapping Turtle, the Red-eared Slider, and the Eastern Spiny Softshell, sometimes saltwater turtles visit the state’s shores as well. 

Turtles in New Jersey (NJ)

Types of Turtles Found in New Jersey

Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

  • Common Snapping Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)

  • Leatherback Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys)

  • Hawksbill Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

Map Turtles

  • Northern Map Turtle

Terrapins

Spotted Turtles

Cooters

  • Northern Red-bellied Cooter

Box Turtles

Glyptemys Turtles

Sliders

  • Red-eared Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

  • Eastern Spiny Softshell

FAQ

Are there any endangered turtles in New Jersey?

The Bog Turtle is federally endangered in the state, with its population declining since 1974.

Where to see sea turtles in New Jersey? 

Several sea turtles can be seen off the Jersey Shore, like the Hawksbill Turtle, the Leatherback Sea Turtle, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, the Green Sea Turtle, and the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle.

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