Forget ants — when this family sat down for dinner, it was dozens of massive coconut crabs that came calling.
Amy Luetich and her family were camping on the remote and beautiful Christmas Island, an Australian territory known for its abundant wildlife.
But even seasoned campers like them weren’t prepared for what happened next.
Earlier in the day, the Luetich family had noticed a few coconut crabs — the world’s largest land-living arthropods, sometimes nicknamed “robber crabs” — roaming peacefully in the nearby forest.
But once dinner was served, everything changed.
“As soon as we lit our campfire and started cooking, the smell must have attracted them,” Luetich told The Dodo. “Suddenly, there were crabs everywhere.”
The family found themselves surrounded by dozens of the giant crustaceans, some tapping at their legs or climbing onto the table in hopes of snagging a snack.
“My son counted 52 of them,” Luetich said. “They were incredibly bold — slow, but determined.”
Despite the crab invasion, the family stayed calm. The creatures are native to the island and are a protected species, sometimes living up to 80 years.
“We’d never hurt them,” Luetich said. “They’re gentle giants, and this is their home, too.”
Her son tried gently relocating the crabs back into the jungle, but they just kept returning — undeterred by the effort and laser-focused on the delicious smells.
Only after the family packed away their food did the curious crowd finally disperse.
Though the evening didn’t go quite as planned, the Luetichs wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It was such a unique experience,” Luetich said. “Definitely a picnic we’ll never forget.”
