Invasive mitten crabs reported in area

Invasive Chinese Mitten Crabs are spreading in Connecticut, and have been reported in the lower Housatonic River estuary and, most recently, in the Mill River in Hamden, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Those who find a crab they suspect to be a Chinese mitten crab should NOT release it.

If you find a Mitten Crab, note the date and location, preserve the crab by freezing it or placing it in alcohol, and contact Dave Molnar in the CT DEEP Marine Fisheries Program (David.Molnar@ct.gov or 860-447-4334) ASAP.

Volunteers are encouraged to report their findings within 48 hours whenever possible.

For more information, please see the adjacent flyer and photo. (Click on the flyer for a larger version.

Chinese Mitten Crabs are native to the Pacific coast of China and Korea and are considered an exotic and potentially invasive species here in Connecticut.   If you paddle or fish along Connecticut’s coastline and lower rivers please keep an eye out for these potential invaders which can be identified using the following distinctive characteristics:

• Claws are of equal size.
• “Furry” claws with whitish tips.
• Brown to green carapace, four spines (the fourth can be small) on each side.
• Notch between the eyes.