Wrangell Sentinel -

The total of invasive European green crabs found in the waters around Metlakatla has risen to 34 live ones, plus some dead ones and a dozen shells of the destructive species.

The latest count, from Aug. 9, follows the discovery in July of the first sightings ever in Alaska, according to the Metlakatla Indian Community Department of Fish and Wildlife, the state Department of Fish and Game and federal NOAA Fisheries.

The live crabs have been found in Tamgas Harbor, and the dead crabs in Smuggler Cove.

Green crab infestations are damaging in numerous ways, according to officials. They overtake...