Returning to the United States from a recent trip, I made the obligatory passage through immigration control to the baggage claim area. Whilst waiting for my stowed luggage to dance around the carousel, I chanced to read the customs warning.
The warning reads:
Agricultural Notice
To prevent the entry of dangerous agricultural pests into the United States, you must declare all fruits, vegetables, plants, plant products, birds, snails and other live animals or animal products. Failure to declare can result in fines and other penalties.
Appreciating that it’s not possible or practical to list all the items one is prohibited from bringing into the US, I was surprised by the inclusion of snails. It seemed more specific than the other contraband.
Why did the Customs Agents list it on the warning? Are snails that dangerous? Are they smuggled with that much frequency (think top 10 list of most smuggled items)? Perhaps it was included to be a bit silly (sign-maker humor, if you will)?
I think birds are the real target. Birds just happen to like eating snails. If you are carrying snails you might also have attracted birds to follow you home, even without your knowing it!
Where are the slugs on this list? Snails are cute (and less common) in comparison to slugs!