Chinese mitten crabs are easily recognized by the fuzzy “mittens” on their claws and their lack of paddles on their rear legs. While they live most of their lives in freshwater, LDWF said they migrate to marine waters to spawn and have been known to travel over 750 miles up rivers in other regions.
LDWF said sightings are extremely rare, but two of the crabs were found near the mouth of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish in January 2025. They are believed to have originally arrived in the United States as hitchhikers on ships or through ballast water.
If you think you have caught a Chinese mitten crab, report any sightings to their Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline at 225-765-3977.
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