Millions of zombie crabs have taken over a local area in Bay of Pigs, Cuba after a large breeding boom earlier this year.
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The zombie crab population reportedly doubled within the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns which reduced traffic on roads and other areas. According to The Mirror, the crabs travel to the beach during the spring and release their eggs safely into the ocean. Prior to the pandemic, the crabs were often killed on the road before reaching the beach and their claws are strong enough to puncture tires.
“We have observed that the migrations have had an unusually high density of crabs. It is very likely that the crab populations have recovered and that is why there is such a strong migration now,” said Reinaldo Santana Aguilar, a scientist who works with Cuba’s environment ministry.
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Local residents said they are prepared for the zombie crab migration by using mops to deter them from the road. “We use the mop to scare off the crabs so as not to kill them. They are animals,” said Giordanis Duran.
Zombie crabs get their name from being a host for two species of flies who rely on shelter, nutrients, and transportation from the crab. The flies lay their eggs near the crabs’ eyes so they can travel into the body and feed on microbes.