AG’s office secures guilty plea in illegal distribution of invasive mitten crabs in WA

The Washington State Attorney General’s (AG) Office and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) police secured a guilty plea Monday from a local individual who attempted to distribute invasive mitten crabs in violation of state law.

The AG’s office and WDFW continued their efforts to protect the state’s waters and native species from the invasive mitten crabs, according to officials.

“Mitten crabs pose a danger to Washington’s economy and ecosystem, particularly our salmon populations. Trafficking in these invasive species is harmful and illegal,” Attorney General Nick Brown stated in a news release. “We will continue to work closely with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect our ecosystems and enforce the law.”

Individual sold a dozen live mitten crabs to WDFW officers during an investigation spanning 2023 to 2024

Between 2023 and 2024, WDFW officers investigated an individual who sold them a dozen live mitten crabs. The AG’s office secured a guilty plea from the individual, who will pay restitution, complete community service, and be placed on probation. WDFW has asked members of the public not to purchase, possess, transport, or release live mitten crabs in Washington.

In Washington, it is illegal to possess, buy, sell, or distribute mitten crabs. Mitten crabs can produce hundreds of thousands of eggs, with some crabs being able to produce more than one million.

The crabs can move between freshwater and saltwater environments, and overland, making the crabs increasingly difficult to contain once established.

The AG’s office noted that mitten crabs are listed as one of the worst 100 invasive species worldwide, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Mitten crabs prey on native clams, mussels, and fish eggs, and can compete with native species for food and habitats. The invasive crabs can contribute to erosion of stream banks, levees, and other structures with their burrowing. The crabs’ presence in large numbers can also interfere with fishing gear, water infrastructure, fish screens, and other facilities.

Although the mitten crabs are not currently known to be established in Washington waters, some crabs were detected in the Lower Columbia River in April 2025 and in the Willamette River in November 2025. WDFW continues to monitor the invasive mitten crab’s presence in Washington waters.

“Preventing the introduction of invasive species requires more than identifying them after they become established; it requires stopping illegal pathways before they can lead to an introduction,” Brad Rhoden, WDFW Police Captain, said. “Through this investigation, our officers were able to identify and disrupt the illegal sale of mitten crabs, preventing a potential pathway to release and establishment in Washington. Enforcement of the state’s invasive species laws is an important part of protecting our natural resources. With the ever-present online opportunity to traffic plants or animals, our officers remain committed to working with our partners to stop the illegal movement of invasive species.”

WDFW encourages the public to report suspected mitten crab sightings, illegal wildlife trafficking

If anyone suspects that they have found a mitten crab, they are asked to take a photo and report it by calling 1-888-WDFW-AIS, emailing ais@dfw.wa.gov, or using the Washington Invasive Species Council reporting form or mobile app.

WDFW encouraged anyone who may have relevant information specific to illegal trafficking of plant or animal species to report it confidentially to WDFW’s poaching hotline at (877) 933-9847 or by texting a tip to 847411.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.