Spider Crab Takeover

Opening the trap

Here at Camp Harbor View you have an opportunity to catch amazing things from the Harbor. At any given time, we anticipate catching striped bass, Asian Shore Crabs, and even skates. Each afternoon before leaving the island, we put bait in the crab trap by the dock in hopes that we will attract a few animals. The usual suspects are Red Rock Crabs, Green Crabs, and even small fish.

Spider Crab up close

This week it seems like I've seen spider crabs in bunches! Every time we pulled up the crab trap, there were about three or four spider crabs in the trap.  Spider crabs, just like the name, resemble spiders with their circular body and long reaching legs. They have a reputation for being "creepy" looking, but they still manage to fascinate everyone who sees one for the first time. I'm not going to lie, the first time I saw a spider crab my first thought was "this is the ugliest crab that I've ever seen." Most of the kids would say the same thing, but now they seem to like spider crabs more than any other crab. It could be for their unique shape, or maybe it is the fact that they get to scare each other when they hold one. There is never a dull moment when a spider crabs are in our crab trap, and they seem to be taking over Camp Harbor View.

Until next time,  keep exploring.
-Preston.