NORTH WILDWOOD – Hermit crabs have been part of the Jersey Shore for nearly three quarters of a century, but selling them in the city will now require more than two state licenses.
The City Council introduced an ordinance at its Oct. 7 meeting amending two sections of the city code regarding mercantile licenses and, specifically, hermit crabs. The city has permitted sales of the crabs since 1954.
The first amendment says selling hermit crabs is permitted in the boardwalk and pier zoning districts; however, sellers must provide proof that they have obtained an animal exhibitors license and a wholesale animal dealer license. The second requires the licenses to be posted at the location where the hermit crabs are being sold.
City Clerk Scott Jett said the ordinance, which is scheduled for a second reading and public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m., will bring the municipal code in line with that of the City of Wildwood.
Hermit crabs were the subject of a feature column that appeared in the Herald in July 2023. The crabs, according to the column’s author, are very social creatures that have complex social structures and specific requirements to keep them alive, something that frequently does not happen after they are sold as pets. The column is at Shore Musings: You’d Hate to Be a Hermit Crab.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
