The turtles, which are from the south and cannot survive in the northeast's climate, were spotted by a motorist along the Passaic River in West New York last Thursday. A woman stopped her car when she saw a flock of seagulls attacking them, shooed them away, and called for help.
Four of the 10 turtles had frozen to death. The remaining six were taken to an animal shelter and are recovering from wounds they suffered in the bird attack.
General Manager John Bergmann of the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township says they're native to Florida, Georgia and Alabama.