Snails everywhere

I have lived in the PNW all my life and never saw snails until the past 2 years. Slugs yes, snail no! They are on the outside of my basement windows and frequently on my front porch; this AM one was atop my newspaper. What brought them in? Are they native?

I used to have quite a few snails in my yard when I lived in Portland. They seemed to love living under the invasive English ivy. Maybe there has been a burst in their growth because of this cold wet spring?

I don't recall ever seeing a snail when growing up (north Seattle). I agree that in the past couple years, they have become much more prolific. I initially saw one or two, then a few years later they seem to be everywhere. I prefer them to slugs as they are much easier to pick up and are pretty.

I gardened in North Seattle too for many years before ever seeing a snail. Someone suggested they descended from escapees from school projects. It has mystified me for a long time too. If I were an escargot eater I would be happy to see them, but I'm not. My young nephew liked to collect them.

I have lots of snails here in Portland. Slugs, too. And I agree with Bonehead - snails are much easier to pick up and throw into the street if you're not in the mood to be squish them. Hostas have popped up so it's once again time to go on the offensive.