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. 

Types of Turtles Found in New Jersey

Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)

• Loggerhead Sea Turtle
• Green Sea Turtle
• Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)

• Common Snapping Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)

• Leatherback Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys)

• Hawksbill Turtle

Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)

Painted Turtles

• Eastern Painted Turtle

Map Turtles

• Northern Map Turtle

Terrapins

• Northern Diamondback Terrapin

Spotted Turtles

• Spotted Turtle

Cooters

• Northern Red-bellied Cooter

Box Turtles

• Eastern Box Turtle

Glyptemys Turtles

• Bog Turtle
• Wood Turtle

Sliders

• Red-eared Slider

Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)

• Eastern Mud Turtle
• Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)

• Eastern Spiny Softshell

FAQ