Invasive crab now seen along the Georgia, South Carolina coast

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Another invasive species has made its way to our area.

The Blue Land Crab, a native to countries in and around the Caribbean sea was recently sighted in coastal Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says that it’s still a bit early to know the full effects that the crabs will have, but one of the main concerns is the burrows that the crabs dig. Since they dig deep, they can damage or destroy habitats of native plants and animals.

So far, the crab has been in Georgia as far South as St. Marys and as far north as up here, around the Wilmington River.

In these areas, the blue land crab hangs around the coast, but can go as far five miles inland. If your house is here, you might see one.

“Anybody that lives along the coast I’d say within that five mile or so range, from the ocean has got a potential to see these crabs,” said Jim Page, Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

If you see a blue land crab near your house, take a look around for burrows, they can go as far as seven feet deep. While the burrows are the main threat, they can also carry salmonella, so be careful if you handle one.

Page said you’re good to kill them if you see them and can even cook them too.

“I can’t speak to the meat, I can’t speak to how good it is, I’ve never had them before. But I do know in their native lands the are harvested, and they are eaten, so, I just encourage folks to certainly cook them thoroughly, and hopefully they’ll taste good to you,” said Page.

An easy way to recognize the crab is by its size. They’ll be blue, and about five or six inches across when fully grown.

You are asked to take photos and report any sightings to Georgia DNR.