- Road salt from winter goes into rivers and lakes.
- Salt comes from road runoff after snow and ice removal.
- Small freshwater snails live in these rivers and ponds.
- Scientists saw that salt can harm the snails.
- When snails sense danger they eat less and move less.
- Higher salt makes snails use more energy and tire.
- Less food and more energy use can kill snails.
- Communities can reduce road salt and protect water life.
Difficult words
- runoff — water that flows from roads into rivers
- freshwater — water in lakes and rivers, not salty
- snail — small animal with a shell that lives in watersnails
- harm — to hurt or damage a person or animal
- protect — to keep someone or something safe
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen snails in rivers or ponds near you?
- Do you think communities should use less road salt?
- What can people do to protect animals in rivers?
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