Hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) die each year from stranding (stuck upside down) during their yearly spawning ritual.

                                                      

        

This year has become a very taxing year for our prehistoric natives as the spawning season started later than normal due to water temperatures, creating a mass rush of activity that appears to be creating more stranding opportunities, resulting in higher mortality occurrences.

We need your help to reduce the rising mortality rate. It’s simple, we need you to take the time to look for stranded live horseshoe crabs and to assist them by simply picking them up by the edge of the shell and flipping them over. If they are stuck in rocks, pick them up and place them in the water.

It’s important to NEVER flip them by their tail. Even though it looks scary, the tail is very delicate and is easily damaged.  Once damaged, the horseshoe crab is rendered helpless. Simply turn it over by the edge of its shell. No need to be cautious; the horseshoe crab doesn’t bite, or sting and its claws are very gentle and won’t hurt you. See here

We have a few hotspots that need attention for the next several weeks. If you are interested in volunteering to monitor and assist at some of the hotspots, please contact Environmental Scientist Carly Toulan at ctoulan@mdcoastalbays.org

And when you go please:

• Wear shoes that have a good grip and can get wet. The rocks can be slippery at times so be careful!
• Sign a volunteer waiver before going out.
• Best time to go out is at low or mid tide when horseshoe crabs are stranded.
• Horseshoe crabs are harmless, they will not sting, pinch, or stab you BUT still be careful when handling them.
• Pick spawning pairs up together, the males will stay attached and both can be carried together.
• If you feel like it, please send pictures of you saving horseshoe crabs or stranded crabs and send them to Carly at ctoulan@mdcoastalbays.org.