PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Environmental experts are concerned after an invasive species was spotted in Oregon for a second time this year.
The Chinese mitten crab is a non-native species that lives in freshwater and migrates to brackish water — a mix of fresh and saltwater — to breed. It is prohibited in the state of Oregon.
The species was first spotted in Oregon back in April. It was then reported in the Willamette River near Sellwood Bridge on Nov. 17. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the crab was captured by hand, alive, and not re-released.
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ODFW said the second confirmed case of the species in Oregon is “concerning,” because these crabs are known to burrow into areas that increase erosion and potentially damage food control or even water supply systems…