Tallahassee, FL (WTXL)-- Your help is wanted by Florida Fish and Wildlife. This is the peak period when horseshoe crabs come ashore to mate. This is video shot the weekend of 4/25 at Bald Point State Park near Alligator Point just south of Panacea,FL.

At this time of year, crabs invade certain beaches. The females lay their eggs in the sand and males follow to fertilize and it is usually right before, during or just after a full moon. As soon as they complete their beach business the shore birds come and dine on the newly hatched eggs. It is a major source of food for migrating birds.

Horseshoe crab populations have been declining due to many factors including over fishing. They are used for bait. Florida Fish and Wildlife has started a state wide survey and they want you to report any Horseshoe crab spawning activity you may encounter. They ask you give them some space but make note of where they were. You can report them on line or by phone.  http://research.myfwc.com/horseshoe_crab/    E-mail: horseshoe@myfwc.com    Toll-free phone: 1-866-252-9326

Horseshoe crabs don't fall into the same family as lobsters. They are not crustaceans but more from the spider family, like a sea tarantula with a shell.  Scientists say they have remained virtually unchanged for 350 million years.