People Are Painting Eye-Catching Designs on Snails to Prevent Them From Being Stepped On

photo via Stefan Siverud

Photos of snails sporting colorfully painted shells have started showing up online. Some of the people who paint the shells do so for artistic reasons, but others fancy themselves good Samaritans, believing that brightly painted snails are less likely to be accidentally stepped on by people. However, people have pointed out that painted snails may be easier prey for predators. And while non-toxic paint appears to be the standard amongst snail painters, the paint’s effect on snails is unknown.

photo via Stefan Siverud

photo via Slinkachu

photo via Stefan Siverud

photo via Stefan Siverud