June is a time where many turtle species in NJ lay their eggs. Yesterday several Map Turtles were seen at MCR digging nests and laying eggs. The Common Map Turtle is found in the Delaware River and adjacent canals, rivers and in some large lakes from Warren County down to Burlington County. They like to bask out in the open, but are very wary and quickly enter the water when approached. According to NJDFW, is unclear if map turtles are native to NJ, or if they are an introduced species that have been naturalized over time. Photos by Joe Codis and John Parke
I’m The Map, I’m The Map, Map Turtle that is!
