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4w ago

Invasive Chinese Mitten Crab Confirmed in Pacific Northwest for First Time

A large male crab, caught in the Lower Columbia River, raises ecological and infrastructure concerns as officials mobilize containment efforts.

A Chinese mitten crab, the type that was discovered in the Pacific Northwest for the first time.
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Overview

  • A commercial fisherman caught a Chinese mitten crab on April 22, 2025, in the Lower Columbia River near the Oregon-Washington border, marking the species' first confirmed presence in the Pacific Northwest.
  • The invasive species, native to East Asia, is known for its ability to climb over 13-foot barriers, burrow into riverbanks, and disrupt ecosystems and infrastructure.
  • Oregon wildlife officials, in collaboration with Washington and NOAA, are deploying trap lines and collecting environmental DNA samples to assess the extent of the invasion.
  • The species previously caused significant ecological and infrastructure damage in San Francisco Bay in the late 1990s, including eroding banks and blocking power plant cooling systems.
  • Authorities are urging the public to report sightings of the distinctive crabs, which are identified by their furry claws, four spines on each side of their carapace, and a notch between their eyes.