Turtles of Monmouth County

The Monmouth County Park System has two environmentalcenters dedicated to nature education.Each has a trained staff of naturalists to answervisitor questions and a variety of displays, exhibits,and hands-on activities where visitors of all agescan learn about area wildlife and natural history.The Huber Woods Environmental Center, onBrown’s Dock Road in the Locust Section ofMiddletown, features newly renovated exhibitsabout birds, plants, wildlife and the Lenape Indians.Miles of surrounding trails offer many opportunitiesto enjoy and view nature.Nature SeriesTurtlesof Monmouth CountyIntroductionTurtles are reptiles--kin to snakes, lizards, alligators, and crocodiles. However, they carry part oftheir skeleton on the outside of their bodies, which makes them unique from most other animals.Plus, with a lifespan of up to 80 years for some local species, they are very special indeed!Turtle Tales is a popular program offered byPark System Naturalists-here a baby paintedturtle is displayed.As with other reptiles, turtles are ectothermic (also known as“cold-blooded”), which means they use their surroundingsto regulate body temperature. To cool off, they burrow inthe mud or hide undervegetation. To warm up,they bask in the sun. Inwinter, all reptiles in ourarea must hibernate tosurvive the cold.Spend some time in the parks, especiallynear the water, and you will have to tryhard NOT to see Painted Turtles.The Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center,on Georgia Tavern Road in Howell specializes inwetland species. The center has many waterrelateddisplays and exhibits to learn about localplants and wildlife. The 5-mile perimeter trail is agreat place to explore and enjoy nature.Threats to TurtlesRoad mortality is a threat to many localspecies. This threat occurs most often whenthe females are moving to and from theirbreeding sites. Other threats include habitatloss, habitat fragmentation (when breedingsites are separated from feeding sites, forexample) and illegal collection. In the case ofthe threatened Wood Turtle and endangeredWood TurtleBog Turtle, continued habitat destructionand collection could cause a local extinction(extirpation).Many people think it is OK to bring a foundturtle home as a pet. The best policy is toadmire turtles from a distance and leave themalone to enjoy their own natural habitat. Turtlesremain much healthier if left in the wild.Bog TurtleMonmouth CountyBoard of Chosen FreeholdersBoard of Recreation CommissionersA12066-03/12Painted Turtleswww.monmouthcountyparks.com

Common Turtles ofMonmouth CountyEastern Box Turtle (Special Concern)Common Snapping TurtleEastern Painted TurtleRed Bellied TurtleBog Turtle (Endangered)Spotted Turtle (Special Concern)Musk TurtleEastern Mud TurtleNorthern Diamondback Terrapin(Special Concern)Occasionally, turtles that are not native to thisarea are found in Monmouth County. This usuallyhappens when they are brought into the area aspets and released by their owners. This is a badpractice because it puts non-native turtles intocompetition with native turtles. Some non-nativeturtles that have been found here include theEastern Spiny Softshell and the Red-eared Slider.Land TurtlesThere is really only one land turtle commonlyfound in Monmouth County, and that is theEastern Box Turtle. It is the only turtle in the areathat can close its shell like a box, hence its name.The color of its fully grown, 6 inch shell variesfrom black to brown with markings that rangefrom yellow to red-orange. This turtle eats mostlyworms, slugs, and insects, but will also eat fruits,vegetables, and mushrooms to supplement itsmeat diet.Water TurtlesThere are many water turtles native toMonmouth County. The one you are mostlikely to see is the Eastern Painted Turtle. Ithas a black shell edged in red and yellow,and can grow to a length of 6 inches. Paintedturtles are often seen resting on logs inponds and lakes. Even from a distance, theglint of the sun off of its polished-lookingshell gives its presence away. Snails, insects,and fish are included in its diet. The largerbut similar looking Red-bellied Turtle isalso frequently sighted in our waterways,especially in larger and deeper lakes.The Snapping Turtle is another commonpond inhabitant. Its shell can grow to 18 1/2inches and the turtle can weigh up to 35pounds, making it the largest local turtle.Triangular points at the back end of its shelland extremely long “dragon-like” tail makeit easy to identify. Fish, frogs, tadpoles, andmost small animals within its reach becomea meal, including small ducks, mice, andeven small turtles!Snapping TurtleWood Turtle (Threatened)Spotted TurtleEastern Box TurtleTwo smaller Painted Turtles (left) and the larger Red-Bellied Turtle (right) climb on the same log.This large Snapping Turtledraws its head in.Diamondback TerrapinThe dragon-like tail of theSnapping Turtle.Other local water turtles- the Bog, Spotted,Musk, and Eastern Mud--are much moresecretive, and you are less likely to see them.Spotted Turtles are a species of Special Concern because,although threats exist, they have not yet been placed on theEndangered/Threatened List.The Diamondback Terrapin is an inhabitant of saltwatermarshes.Further Reading: Schwartz, Vicki, and Golden, David M. 2002. FieldGuide to Reptiles and Amphibians of New Jersey. New Jersey Divisionof Fish and Wildlife