A reminder re: harvesting wild crabs

[FlightResponse]

In the past many members have expressed concern over wild hermit crabs in their area- particularly in the case of wild hermies that live in areas prone to hazards-and have wondered about harvesting them and taking them home in order to protect them. We at LHC would like to remind members that harvesting a wild hermit crab is highly discouraged, since it presents hazards to the owner as well as the crab.Some of you may be wondering "what's wrong with it," since it is true that all of the hermit crabs currently sold as pets were wild-harvested. The pet distributors who are harvesting these crabs only do so with a permit or some other permission from the government in the area where the crabs are being taken. However, for an unliscenced individual to go and take crabs from their native habitat-no matter how noble their intent-can result in hefty fines and/or jail if they are caught (depending on the local statutes).Second, taking a hermie from it's native habitat can be stressful and potentially dangerous for the crab, and that is partly why so many harvested ones die and get sick on their way to us. "Rescuing" crabs from the beaches would likely have the same result. Although they don't go through the same set of traumas that they would on the way to the pet store, they still suffer stress as a result of being moved from their wild habitat into captivity. That stress can be just as detrimental to the crabs as PPS, and could cause death.We also need to remember that wild animals have been finding their way on their own for millions of years without any help from humans, and most species have natural instincts that tell them when to leave an area to avoid danger. Hermit crabs are no different. However, if anyone feels that there are wild hermies at risk, the best course of action is not to harvest them, but to notify local authorities of the situation. Typically if an animal's native habitat is being threatened, local conservation groups and Fish & Game departments will take action to prevent the habitat from being disturbed.