Chinese mitten crabs, recognized by their furry claws, are considered a Chinese delicacy, especially those found in Yangchenghu and Gucheng. They are known for their exquisite flavor and also their health benefits.

In America, however, they are identified as a dangerous invasive species. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website states that “massive migrations have clogged fish screens and hampered water delivery in Northern California." They can also weaken levees, increase erosion of banks and may even pose a human health threat as they can carry diseases such as oriental lung fluke.

When the crabs were recently reported to appear along Maryland's coast, the local government called for people, especially those working in fishing or near the water, to be on the lookout.

If a resident finds a Chinese mitten crab, they have been advised not to throw it back into the water, but to preserve it in rubbing alcohol or freeze it and tell the local authorities the precise location it was found.

This announcement, however, has amused Chinese netizens. One netizen wrote, “I have prepared all sorts of condiments, the only thing I need now is a flight ticket.”

Some are playfully offering to help with the problem, suggesting that the U.S. should offer a “Chinese mitten crab visa” for Chinese citizens. Besides these crabs in Maryland, oysters in Denmark and crayfish in Germany have also caused the same concern, being labelled as invasive species.

These species have concerned both local governments and people, but they are known better as fine cuisine in China. In the future, it's fair to assume that Chinese foodies would be happy to help out with such delicious problems.