A type of small snail is very widespread in japan, and colonies of the snails that are genetically similar have been found very far apart. scientists wondered how the snails could travel such long distances. a recent study1 provides the answer. biologist shinichiro wada fed live snails to birds and found that of the snails were excreted live out the other end. the snails apparently are able to seal their shells shut to keep the digestive fluids from getting in.