Hi Bliss, Thanks so much for taking the time to submit a Molt Search! I wanted to get back to you with a belated comment on your mystery claw. Based on the shape/color and that notable black patch right at the tips, it’s most likely a red rock crab claw. The black patch is actually a melanin deposit that adds a good deal of crushing strength to their claws. Always neat to find! Thanks for such a great photo and for remembering to include something of known size for scale–that always helps your reports go even further. Great to have you part of these monitoring efforts with us! -Lisa
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Hi Bliss, Thanks so much for taking the time to submit a Molt Search! I wanted to get back to you with a belated comment on your mystery claw. Based on the shape/color and that notable black patch right at the tips, it’s most likely a red rock crab claw. The black patch is actually a melanin deposit that adds a good deal of crushing strength to their claws. Always neat to find! Thanks for such a great photo and for remembering to include something of known size for scale–that always helps your reports go even further. Great to have you part of these monitoring efforts with us! -Lisa