July 18, 2025, 12:03 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Whether in the garden, the forest, or on the sidewalk, many want to help the defenseless mollusks, such as when they risk being run over on the asphalt. Most would probably just pick up the snail by its shell and move it. But that’s exactly what you shouldn’t do, as picking up snails by their shells can injure the animals.
Whether in forums or on social media, it’s often said that you should never pick up snails by their shells. The animals are so firmly attached to the ground that pulling on the shell can injure internal organs, as noted by the online gardening magazine “24Garten.de.” Unfortunately, there is little valid information to support this claim. PETBOOK therefore asked a snail expert whether you should indeed never pick up snails by their shells.
Can You Pick Up Snails by Their Shells?
The short answer: Only with caution. And never abruptly. Walter Wimmer, snail expert and head of the “Regional Nature Conservation” division at the Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal, and Nature Conservation, warns: “If you pull too hard on their shell, it can indeed cause injuries to the snail’s soft body due to overstretching of sensitive structures.”
The reason: Snails adhere particularly firmly to the ground with their muscular foot through slime secretions. Simply pulling them up by the shell risks not only startling and stressing the animal but also causing real physical damage—especially to the so-called mantle, which connects the shell to the body. In the worst case, this can lead to death.
Why Snails Are So Firmly Attached to the Ground
Snails don’t just “stick”—they are true adhesion artists. Their foot makes this possible: a muscular organ that creates wave-like movements and secretes slime. This slime not only aids in movement but also acts as a “glue,” allowing the snail to suction itself, even upside down, on smooth walls. 1
This strong connection can become dangerous with sudden pulling. Snail forums and professional articles therefore warn: Never “tear” them from the ground. This can overstretch the retraction muscle and cause internal injuries.
Should You Even Touch Snails?
“There’s nothing wrong with touching snails,” says Wimmer. “However, there should be no substances on your fingers that could harm the moist surface of the snail’s body, such as salt or hand cream.”
Since snails absorb substances through their skin, washing hands beforehand is mandatory, without soap residues or creams. Equally important is washing hands afterward. Snails are scavengers that also compost feces, including dog feces, in urban areas. Their slime trails can contain parasites that, while rarely dangerous to humans, are still undesirable.
Does Tapping on the Shell Help?
A tip circulating among snail enthusiasts: Tap the shell gently twice. The snail retracts in fright—and thus voluntarily releases its grip on the ground. Then you can carefully lift it. “Gentle tapping can indeed support detachment,” explains Wimmer. “But it should be done in a way that does not damage the snail’s shell.”
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How to Properly Relocate Snails
If it’s really necessary to relocate a snail—whether to save it from the road or remove it from the vegetable patch—then do it this way:
- Never pull on the shell: Especially not when the snail is actively moving on a smooth surface.
- Gently tap or “lure”: A light tap on the shell can help release the grip. Alternatively, hold a finger in front of the snail—with some patience, it will crawl onto it by itself.
- Use tools: A damp, soft brush, a smooth plastic card, or a wet leaf can help gently detach the foot from the ground.
- Moist hands or surface: Snails like it moist. Dry hands can irritate their mucous membrane.
- Safe new location: Don’t just place the snail in the middle of a dry path. Better are moist, shady places with plants—preferably not too far from the original location.
Conclusion
Snails are fascinating and underrated creatures with highly developed adaptations to their environment. Those who want to help them should take their peculiarities into account. Because well-intentioned is not always well done.
Walter Wimmer sums it up: “With a little care and understanding, you can avoid accidentally harming the animal.” So it’s worth taking a closer look—and perhaps even appreciating the small, slimy garden dwellers a bit more.