An "invasion" of crabs surprised the residents of the coastal village of Caletón, in the municipality of Ciénaga de Zapata, where hundreds of crustaceans took over the streets, sidewalks, and even homes.
The scene, captured in a video published by Eilis Raposo on Facebook, shows the animals climbing walls and moving through the neighborhood in large numbers.
"How's Caletón, my house was invaded," wrote Raposo, accompanying the images with the neighbors' reactions.
In the video, a man can be heard exclaiming with a mix of surprise and resignation: "Look at that, we're going to be left without a home. Look at how the neighborhood woke up. At least we have crabs to eat."
Although this phenomenon may seem curious or even picturesque to some, it is not uncommon in this region of the country.
The crabs, known as red crabs or "zombies," migrate each year from the forested areas to the sea to spawn, especially during spring and after heavy rains, such as those that occurred in May.
Caletón, due to its proximity to the sea and wet areas, is a mandatory stop for these animals during their reproductive journey.
Despite the humorous tone of the locals, environmental specialists warn about the risks of consuming these crustaceans.
Unlike the moray crab, the red one is not edible. Its shell contains tungsten, a heavy metal that can accumulate in the human body and cause toxic effects.
In addition to invading homes, crabs pose a challenge for drivers: their claws can damage tires, and many are crushed while crossing roads.
For this reason, authorities recommend exercising caution while traveling during these weeks, especially in the early morning hours and at dusk.
Although the event is a temporary nuisance for the residents, experts emphasize the importance of conserving the species, which is a vital part of the Cuban coastal ecosystem, serving as food for various terrestrial and marine species.
In May, a massive migration of red crabs occurred on the road connecting the city of Trinidad with the province of Cienfuegos, according to videos shared online.
At the beginning of April, another shocking invasion of crustaceans surprised the residents of the coastal neighborhood of Caletones, in the municipality of Gibara, Holguín, where they entered homes and "took over" patios, rooms, and kitchens.
The mass migration of these animals usually intensifies between March and May and has also been recorded in other areas of Cuba such as Caibarién or Morón.
Meanwhile, in Caletón, the neighborhood is facing this peculiar season with a mix of astonishment, discomfort, and a touch of local humor: "At least we have something to eat," some joke, even though experts advise otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crab Invasion in the Zapata Swamp
Why is there an invasion of crabs in Caletón?
The invasion of crabs in Caletón is due to the annual migration of the red crabs, or "zombies," which move from the wooded areas to the sea to spawn. This phenomenon occurs especially during spring and after heavy rains, such as those recorded in May, and Caletón, because of its location, is a necessary passage for these crustaceans.
Is it safe to consume the red crabs that are invading Caletón?
No, it is not safe to consume the red crabs that invade Caletón. These crustaceans are inedible because their shells contain tungsten, a heavy metal that can accumulate in the human body and cause toxic effects. Experts warn about the risks of consuming them.
What impact do red crabs have on everyday life in Caletón?
The presence of red crabs in Caletón impacts daily life by invading homes and streets, which can cause inconvenience to residents. Furthermore, the crabs pose a challenge for drivers, as their claws can damage tires, and many are crushed while crossing the roads. Authorities recommend caution when traversing the area.
What is the ecological importance of red crabs in the Zapata Swamp?
Despite the inconveniences they cause, red crabs are important for the Cuban coastal ecosystem. They are a fundamental part of the ecosystem, serving as food for various terrestrial and marine species. Experts emphasize the importance of conserving this species to maintain ecological balance.
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