Giant Horseshoe Crab Found At Hammonasset State Park

MADISON, CT — A giant horseshoe crab was found at Hammonasset State Beach Park in Madison on Tuesday, according to a social media post from Meigs Point Nature Center.

The wrote, "Though generally we don't see them at Hammonasset should you see one and it is tagged, snap a photo, call the number on the tag and report the number located on the tag (do not remove tag) and do not disturb buried crabs to check the number. If you find her buried in the sand she is laying eggs, please do not disturb them.

They only come up on the beach to lay their eggs during hight tide and with the moon cycle. Please leave them alone...they will not harm you! Should you see a horseshoe crab upside down, please gently flip it over, holding it like you'd pick up a bowl. Do NOT pick it up by its tail. The tail could fall off and the crab needs it to use as a rudder and to flip itself over on the beach. The tail does not have a barb and will not harm you though it may have rough edges.

These prehistoric looking crabs are extremely important as a food source for migrating birds (that eat the eggs they lay) but also for medical use for humans. Stop in and read the display in the nature center about them..."