Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've read that all hermit crabs have been caught in the wild because it's impossible to breed them in capitivity.
If this is true, then can I release a hermit crab back into the wild?
We just rescued one that was living in a clothes hamper. He's about a year and a half old (or so I was told). He's pretty big, about the size of a mans hand.
I think it's deplorable that people steal these creatures away from their natural habitat, and I would be absolutely ecstatic if I could return him to his natural conditions.

What say you? Can this be done??

(I posted this a week or so ago, but somehow I don't see it here anywhere.)

it would matter if you knew where to return it to. It tells you where they live at www.crabstreetjournal.com.

While returning one to the wild there are health issues to be considered. Releasing any animal that's been in captivity awhile can endanger the wild animals because it can introduce bacteria and such that they are not used to. Also, since the animal has been in captivity it would be much more susepitble to bacteria that the wild animals have.