Why were so many snails clustered together on a Sunnyvale park fence post?
DR. JOAN: I came across a virtual snail convention with dozens of snails clustered together on a fence post while hiking in Sunnyvale’s Baylands Park. Have you ever seen or heard of anything similar? If so, what is the cause of this occurrence?
Sunnyvale resident Doug Sheaffer
DR. DOUG: You happened upon a gathering of the GOMP (Grand Old Mollusk Party). Snails from all over the world are congregating in small enclaves to select candidates for the upcoming mollusk emperor election. It’s a thrilling time.
Back to reality now. The snails were trying to stay alive during a heatwave, and they did so in an unusual way. Snails rely on moisture to survive, so when conditions are hot and dry, they can literally wither away.
They climb to higher perches and seal their shells with a thick mucus called an epiphragm to keep moisture in their shells. The goo not only keeps the snail moist in its shell, but it also adheres the shell to whatever object it has chosen for its summer home.
I’m not sure why they do it in groups, but maybe snails see one and think, “Hey, must be a good place to glue myself,” and join the growing crowd. Snails can remain dormant for up to four months by lowering their metabolic rate.
DR. JOAN: Which is more beneficial to squirrels and birds? Water from the house containing salt from the water softener or water from the hose containing no salt? My husband claims it makes no difference.
— M.R., Morgan Hill squirrel and bird enthusiast
DEAR M: Your husband is correct, according to the experts. Water that is safe for humans is also safe for pets and wildlife, so it makes no difference which they drink. Pets on a salt-restricted diet are an exception. Most freshwater aquariums should not be filled with salty water.
The birds and squirrels don’t care one way or the other.
During heat waves, I am frequently asked if we should provide water for wildlife. If you normally have birdbaths, keep them filled and clean, but don’t leave buckets of water out for deer and other wild animals. This would draw them to your home and neighborhood, potentially leading to other problems. Not everyone enjoys wild animals roaming through their yards; the animals may be hit by cars, and you may attract larger predators who are stalking the animals you’re luring close to your home.
We refill water bowls on a regular basis to keep everyone hydrated and the birdbath clean all year. Because the population appears to be increasing year after year, the fresh water may be beneficial.
— KC from San Jose
DR. KC: So that’s where they ended up. Maybe you could tell a couple of them that Mattie misses them and has some special treats in store for them when they return.
