An Australian family got quite the shock while enjoying a BBQ on their camping trip when they were suddenly swarmed by dozens of hungry, giant crabs.
The group was feasting on sausages over the weekend when their campsite on Christmas Island was invaded by around 50 robber crabs, which are about three feet in length and have a strong sense of smell.
“Robber crabs behaving badly! A couple of local #christmasisland families had a few extra mouths to feed at their BBQ over the weekend,” the Christmas Island Tourism wrote on Facebook.
One of the members of the camping group shared a video on Instagram of the terrifying encounter with the caption, “#stuffofnightmares.”
However, the massive crustaceans, which are also known as coconut crabs, did not harm the campers.
“They are relatively peaceful. They can be moved away gently or sometimes picked up and moved. No pinching,” the woman the outlet.
What are robber crabs?
Robber crabs are the largest land crustacean in the world and many call Christmas Island home.
They can weigh up to four kilograms and measure a meter wide. Some can live up to 50 years of age.
The robber crabs are good eating considered a delicacy with aphrodisiac qualities across the Pacific, but they are a protected species in Australia and can’t be eaten.
Robber crabs forage floor for things such as seeds and fruits. Larger robber crabs have been known to eat smaller ones.
Coconut crabs are exceptional climbers and move fast when it comes to food. It’s name comes from its tendency to take foreign objects and run off with them.
Robber crabs are closely related to hermit crabs and use seashells or coconuts for protection until they develop a hard abdomen.
Drivers on Christmas Island are asked to ‘slow down and drive around’ the animals as if their hit by a car they could be killed.
More information about this sudden crab invasion on DM, NY Post, Strange Sounds and Steve Quayle.
Can you eat robber crabs? What do they taste like?
The coconut crab (Birgus latro) is a species of terrestrial hermit crab, also known as the robber crab or palm thief. The coconut crab is eaten by Southeast Asians and Pacific Islanders and is considered a delicacy and an aphrodisiac. So they surely would have had a great night if they knew 😉
Holy Shit, Dinner is here!!!
“Quick, THROW THE LOBSTERS ON THE GRILL MARY, WE ARE HAVING SECONDS–AND THIRDS AND FOURTHS!”