Wild on WANE: Hermit crabs

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A hermit crab's exoskeleton (the outer-covering of its body) isn't strong enough to protect the creature from its predators.  As a result, a hermit crab chooses a seashell to attach itself onto and then carries that shell around with it as protection. 

When threatened, the hermit crab can recoil into this shell to reduce the likelihood of being injured by a predator.  The hermit crab has powerful pinchers (claws) that also serve to protect it from harm. 

Many people have hermit crabs as pets.  In this "Wild on WANE" segment, NewsChannel 15's Nicholas Ferreri not only shares some interesting facts he's learned about the animal, but also discovers how to properly clean a hermit crab tank so the animal stays happy and healthy.