Answer: True
Clostridium tetani is a infectious bacterial strain which causes disease called as Tetanus. This bacterial strain produces it's spores which remain in the soil, feces and in dust. It obtains the route inside the body by nails and under surface layers of skin which is typically deprived off oxygen. These bacteria also seep inside the body from the site of injury.
On the basis of above description, the statement Chlostridium tetani thrives near the surface of the skin is true.