When a lobster grows, it outgrows it shell. For a short time, the lobster is without a shell and vulnerable to attack by other lobsters. This vulnerable state will last about 2 months until their shells harden. While the lobster's shell is soft and fragile, they will tend to bury themselves in the soft, muddy bottom to hide from possible danger and predators. Lobsters are considered scavengers, eating anything on the bottom of the ocean.
Pollution is one of the biggest problems facing lobster populations.
That is one reason why lobsters from the clean pure coves of Maine are considered better tasting and sweeter. As a lobster continues to feed, it continues to grow and its shell hardens. It takes about 1 month for a new-shell lobster to become hard shell and fill with meat. This is because the new shell is much larger than the body to allow room for future growth. However, the shells of new-shell lobster comparably weigh less.