West-Rhode Riverkeeper

Mitten Crab Alert

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center needs the help of local citizens to track and monitor the appearance of the Chinese Mitten Crab, a potentially harmful invasive species along the eastern United States.

The crab is distinctive because its claws are covered with setae which looks like fur and gives them the appearance of wearing mittens. They have established themselves in California, and in England where they’ve been shown to clog power plant intake valves and other industrial equipment and to cause severe shoreline erosion.

For complete details, go the Smithsonian Envronmental Research Center.

Mitten Crab

Round body, no swim fins, "fur" on all legs, front claws have large furry mittens.

Mud Crab

Oval body, no swim fins, no "fur" on legs, front claws are usually white and smooth.