Philadelphia customs officials intercept German snail
Despite it being small and slow-moving, the Kentish snail discovered today by Customs and Border Protection agents in Philadelphia poses enough of a threat to crops that the crate it came in warranted a ring of salt around it.
The snail came in with some furniture from Germany and was identified by a USDA entomologist who determined the snail’s origin and reputation for destroying crops, gardens and landscapes. It’s the first time the Philadelphia port has intercepted a Kentish snail.
The crate will either be treated or re-exported.
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