GEORGIA, USA — If you see this new blue land crab anywhere in Georgia, take a photo and report it! The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is warning residents of the newest large invasive species.
Here's why officials say they are a cause for concern.
“While we are uncertain about the potential ecological and economic risks these crabs pose, we are currently concerned about damage caused by their extensive burrowing,” said Jim Page, WRD Aquatic Nuisance Species Program manager. “As a new non-native species in our state, we need more information about these crabs and are asking for the public’s help.”
The crabs are native from Brazil to south Florida, state officials added, and they can get up 5 to 6 inches in size. Georgia WRD said the crabs were recently spotted in places far north than their native lands.
Most sightings have been found on the coast of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
WRD added that the crabs "resemble a large fiddler crab." They have one claw that is larger than the other.
Despite their name, they are not all blue. Most adult males have blue coloring, but females can be white and gray, according to the WRD.
Officials are raising concerns about their burrowing underground. They can burrow super deep but can be exposed after heavy rains.
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