Slug or Snail?

Our bug girl was at it again. Had to get a bit more exploring under rocks done before the snow hits. Although, this time it was not a bug that had her fancy. I heard her say with such glee in her voice, "Mama, Mama!! I found a SLUG!!!". I figured with past experience that this would probably, most likely be a 'roly polie'. Not this time. I could see from a distance something big in her hand. With one look at her face, I knew I had to keep it cool. She was so happy grinning from ear to ear. She was so proud. There it was as slimy as can be. A slug.

I finally convinced her that it needed to go back home to find someplace for the winter to stay. She agreed. I then said "let's go wash your hands". But a problem. Andy was working on the facets outside and had the water turned off. I have never been so creative with an anti-bacterial pump and baby wipes (yes, we still have some kicking around!).

Later we showed pictures to Mema & Papa and they said are you sure that isn't a snail? So, after some research, it was a slug. Which, we have now quite a bit of knowledge on the topic, a slug and snail are the exact same. A slug has just evolved to not have to have a shell. They both also live for 5-10 years! There was one that was reported to have lived 15 years. Now all of you can carry around the same knowledge. :)

In closing. After Nina put the slug back, these are some of the things she said.
Nina: "His tummy was dirty"
Mama: "Yep."
Nina: "How about next time he wakes up we wash him?"
Mama: "Okay"
Nina: "I'm going to make him my friend, he was so cute."


****there are a few slimy pictures, if you're a queasy type, beware.****



This picture tickles me. Look at the slugs shadow of its head. Cute.

If you look closely you can see his eyes at the end. He looks a bit confused, I guess. :)

So proud.

Nina showing daddy. Daddy saying..."Noooo, sorry you can't put him in your critter carrier, he needs to find his hibernation home."