Hey there, fellow nature enthusiasts! Last summer, we met a new friend named Bun Lai who taught us all about an invasive crab species that's causing trouble along the coast of Connecticut. These little troublemakers are called Chinese mitten crabs, and even though they may look cute, they're actually wreaking chaos on our local ecosystem.

These mitten crabs are originally from China, but they've made their way here, and they are not here to play nice. They pose a big threat to our environment by eating up other creatures and changing the way things work in our waters. They can even munch on the eggs of fish like salmon and sturgeon, which is not cool at all!

But fear not, there are things we can do to help fight back against these invaders. If you spot a mitten crab, you can help by reporting it. In Connecticut, you can reach out to David Molnar at david.molnar@ct.gov or call 860-434-6043. You can also use the Marine Aquatic Invasive Species Survey (MAIS Survey) app or the MAIS Public Map Viewer to report sightings.

To stop these crabs from spreading further, we can take some simple steps. Before using your watercraft in different places, make sure to clean, drain, and dry it properly. Check your boats, trailers, and equipment for any mud or debris, and clean it off. Dispose of all trash and bait in the right places. Use certified bait that won't cause harm to our waters.

If you ever come across a mitten crab, don't panic! Remember not to release it back into the wild. Instead, freeze it or preserve it in alcohol if you can, take a photo, and note down where you found it. This will help scientists keep track of where these invaders are popping up.

The mitten crab isn't just a cute little creature; it's a serious threat that can cause erosion, mess with other marine animals, and disrupt fishing activities. By working together and taking these simple steps, we can help protect our oceans and keep them safe for all the creatures that call them home. Let's be the heroes that our environment needs!