FINAL FRAME
S H E L L S H OCK E D The last couple years have been huge for the tiny bean clam, a species that maxes out at about 1.5 inches long and can undergo enormous population fluctuations from year to year. These shallow-water filter feeders are typically buried in the sand, but low tides and other environmental conditions can result in their exposure—sometimes thousands heaped upon one another. Leave them alone, and they’ll likely survive by “clamming up” to avoid desiccation. ♦ PHO T O BY K EN PFE I F F E R
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