Invasive Mitten Crabs Threaten New York's Ecosystems

The Chinese mitten crab, known for its distinctive claws, poses ecological and economic risks as it spreads in state waterways.

First spotted in New York in 2007, mitten crabs have recently been found in the Hudson River and Long Island Sound.
These crabs can disrupt local ecosystems by out-competing native marine life and damaging fishing gear.
Mitten crabs also pose risks to infrastructure by blocking power plant cooling systems and causing erosion through their burrowing habits.
Authorities urge the public to report sightings and remove the crabs from the environment to help control their spread.
The species, originally from East Asia, has previously caused significant issues in Europe and California.