PORTLAND, Ore. — A Chinese mitten crab, a prohibited invasive species in Oregon , was recently found in the Willamette River near the Sellwood Bridge.

The crab was spotted in shallow water and captured by hand in mid-November. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) said it was alive when it was caught and has not been released back into the river.

Unlike native Oregon crabs that live in the ocean, bays and estuaries, this nonnative species of crab lives its adult life in freshwater and migrates to brackish water — a mix of fresh and saltwater — to breed.

Burrowing in dikes, levees or stream banks, these crabs can increase erosion, as well as damage flood control and water supply systems. They also hunt native species, including fish eggs, impacting fish and crayfish populat

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