Did you know there’s a turtle species thriving in the heart of New Jersey’s urban sprawl, and it’s unlike any other in North America? Meet the diamondback terrapin, a resilient reptile that calls the brackish waters of the Garden State home. But here’s where it gets fascinating: this turtle is the only one on the continent that lives exclusively in brackish environments—a mix of saltwater and freshwater. And this is the part most people miss: thousands of these terrapins flourish in the Hackensack River, a habitat they could only occupy after a dam transformed its waters from freshwater to brackish. Controversially, some wonder if their presence is due to human intervention or natural migration—a mystery that remains unsolved.
While China boasts its giant pandas and Australia its kangaroos, New Jersey proudly claims the diamondback terrapin as its charismatic aquatic resident. These turtles have carved out a niche in the Hackensack River, a place they couldn’t have survived in before the Oradell dam altered its ecosystem. Drew McQuade, a senior biologist with the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute, sums it up perfectly: “No one is going to look at a terrapin and not instantly love it.” McQuade, who leads terrapin research, has captured, tagged, and studied over 1,700 of these turtles, revealing their surprising adaptability in an urban landscape.
Despite limited space in the Northeast, terrapins are thriving. McQuade notes, “We have turtles that we know are at least 18 to 19 years old, and they’re doing great.” His survey estimates over 5,000 terrapins in his study area, with up to 15,000 in the entire Hackensack River. But how did they get there? Terrapins don’t travel far from their birthplace, yet they were first spotted in the Meadowlands in the 1970s. McQuade admits, “We really don’t know where they came from,” leaving room for debate about their origins.
If you want to spot these turtles, mark your calendar for nesting season, from May to mid-July, with peak activity in June. During this time, female terrapins leave the salt marshes to lay eggs in sandy areas above the high tide line—often crossing roads in the process. Motorists, beware: these turtles need safe passage! High tides during full or new moon cycles are prime time to see them in action. And here’s a fun fact: each turtle McQuade’s team captures is fitted with a PIT tag, a tiny transponder that tracks their movements and lifespan, much like a pet microchip but without GPS.
In winter, terrapins burrow into the mud and enter brumation, a hibernation-like state to conserve energy. Come summer, they’re back in action, swimming, basking on rocks, and exploring the Hackensack River. The Meadowlands, a 30-square-mile oasis in urban North Jersey, is not just their home but also a haven for over 200 bird species and dozens of mammals. Isn’t it remarkable how these turtles thrive despite human-made challenges?
McQuade calls terrapins “a great ambassador species,” highlighting their ability to adapt and flourish in America’s largest metropolitan area. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As we continue to alter natural habitats, are we helping or hindering species like the diamondback terrapin? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about coexistence and conservation!
