Norway: Massive crustaceans heading south to nibble a toe near you!
The entire coastline of Europe could be invaded by giant Russian crabs, if scientists are to be believed. The three-foot red king crabs, which can live up to 30 years and weigh as much 20 pounds, were first introduced into parts of the Russian coast by Joseph Stalin in an effort to produce food in impoverished parts of Russia – but they escaped their huge cages and are now heading south along the Norwegian coastline. Experts say the crustaceans, which originally come from the Kamchatka peninsula in eastern Russia, could end up as far south as Portugal and Gibraltar – and certainly thrive in the North Sea and English Channel. Mark Esmark, of the conservation organisation WWF, said: “If they get to Britain they would eat all your clams, mussels and seaweed. They are very big – they are not something you would want to put your toes near.”
