Banff Springs Snail

Physella johnsoni

This small snail had the distinction of becoming the first mollusc to be classified by COSEWIC. Earlier in the century the Banff Springs snail was found in 9 hot springs in Banff National Park; by 1994 it was only found in 5. The snails prefer water that is between 30º and 36º C, and their most dense populations occur right at the source of the hot springs.These snails feed and lay their eggs in the algae mats that grow in the springs. Disruption of these mats by human bathers can affect the reproduction of the snails. There are efforts underway to reintroduce the snail into areas of the springs where it once thrived, and protection in the form of spring closures is enforced by a $2000 fine.