Pond snails are a food source for various animals, including some specialized snail-eating snakes, such as those in the genus Pareas, which exhibit unique adaptations for extracting snails from their shells. In local ecosystems like Vancouver Island, pond snails are preyed upon by garter snakes. However, it's important to note that "pond snail" refers to the type of mollusk, while the snake mentioned is a predatory reptile, and one specific species of snake is even named after the snail.
Garter snakes possess several rows of small, recurve teeth and enlarged back teeth (called opisthoglyphic or rear fangs) that help them hold and manipulate prey, rather than to inject venom. These toothed teeth work with the mildly toxic saliva from their Duvernoy's gland to help subdue small prey like amphibians, fish, and earthworms by injecting the neurotoxin. While they can bite humans, their bites are generally harmless and are more of a scratch than a threat, though a mild allergic reaction is possible in rare cases.
I did not get to see if the snake finally won, since it swam off still attached to the snail.
There are thousands of these pond snails in our ponds. Ducks dive for the snails and swallow them whole.
