Living in a Dangerous World
Snails are small and slow. They have few defenses. They must retain enough moisture so their tiny bodies don't dry out, and they must obtain enough food to give them energy to sleep through the long cold winter. So despite living in tough shells, snails are, in many ways, quite vulnerable.
Smart Ways Snails Protect Themselves
The good news is that snails are quite clever and are well adapted to deal with the threats they face. Their shell provides them with good, impenetrable protection from weather variations and some predators. During the daylight hours, they usually hide. This keeps them out of the way of hungry birds and mammals and also helps them conserve moisture.
Battling Humans
Snails aren't too popular with some humans. These little creatures can to quickly eat their way through a carefully tended garden, leaving a gardener's treasured plants all but bare. So some people leave poisons and other snail-deterents around their yard, making it very hazardous for snails. Also, since snails don't move quickly, they are frequently in danger of crossing paths with cars or pedestrians. So be careful where you step if your walking on a moist evening when snails are out and about.