How Snails Work

Snails are small, slow animals. They move with a big, soft foot. The foot moves in waves. This is why snails walk so slowly.

Snails carry a hard shell on their back. The shell is made of calcium carbonate. The shell grows bigger with the snail. Snails never change to a new shell.

Snails eat with a special tongue called a radula. It has many tiny teeth. Snails use it to scrape their food.

Snails make slime when they move. The slime helps them move easily. It also protects their soft body.

When the weather is dry, some snails hide in their shell. They close the door with slime. This helps them stay safe and wet.

Snails are not always super slow. When they smell food or feel danger, they can move faster than you think!