The Brief
- An invasive crab species has been found in Oregon waters.
- The Chinese Mitten Crab has not previously been spotted in the Pacific Northwest.
- They are harmful to both wildlife and infrastructure.
ASTORIA, Ore. – Wildlife officials in Oregon have confirmed the presence of a male Chinese mitten crab within their borders. They believe it was either introduced illegally or came over as a larvae through ballast water.
On Apr. 22, the large adult crab was found in the Lower Columbia River near Tongue Point in Oregon. This sits just south of the Washington border.
What does a Chinese mitten crab look like?
These crabs are defined by hairy mitten-like claws, brownish-orange to greenish-brown coloring, having four spines on each side, and a notch between their eyes.
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