SLIMY SLUG

My son Alex and I were in one of our favorite parks, taking an early morning walk, when he stopped and pointed to a slug inching its way across the blacktop path in front of us.

“He’s got quite a slime trail going.” I said as I noticed about a foot long silver trail behind him.

We both bent over to take a closer look.

“They are interesting looking.” Alex remarked.

I looked over at him and shrugged my shoulders. “I guess.” I looked back at the slug.

“Hey, do you remember in the movie ‘A Christmas Story’ when Ralphie and Randy were running away from the bullies and Randy fell down in the snow?”

“Yeah.”

“The narrator says, ‘Randy just laid there like a slug. It was his only defense.’” I started to laugh and looked back at Alex. “That line cracks me up every time I hear it!”

Alex started to laugh too.

I looked back at the slug. “So exactly how do slugs defend themselves?”

“Maybe it’s the slime they’re covered in?” Alex suggested.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket. “Only one way to find out.” I started a Google search. After a few moments I looked back at Alex. “You’re right!” I held the phone out for him to see.

“Slugs have a very thick slime which protects them against drying out and has a disgusting taste that helps protect them against predators.” Alex read.

“How did you know that?” I asked as I slipped the phone back in my pocket.

Alex pointed back at the slug that had almost made it off the path and into the grass for a little more protection. “What else does he have?”

“True.”

We started to walk again when we noticed another slug on the path. “There’s another one.” I said.

A few steps further and we spotted another one. I looked over at Alex. “Why are there so many slugs out?”

“Well, we’ve been in a drought for most of the summer and it just rained last night.” He looked over at me and shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe they’re out to soak up some moisture from the grass?”

I was ready to reach for my phone again when I shook my head and tucked it back in my pocket. “You know I’m not even going to bother to look that up.”

“Really?” Alex laughed. “I could have made that up!”

“Nope.” I said as we began to walk again. “It sounds reasonable and I’m going to say you’re right.”

We were walking for a few minutes enjoying the beautiful day when Alex looked over at me and smiled. “You’re going to look it up later, when you get home, aren’t you?”

I had to laugh as I shook my head. “You know me so well.”

Alex patted me on the shoulder as we got closer to the car. “Let me know if I’m wrong.”

“Oh, you know I will.” I said with a laugh as I unlocked the car.

I paused as I looked over the roof of the car at him as he reached to open the passenger door. “But I’ll be fair.” I reminded him. “I’ll also let you know if you’re right.”