The feedback loop quickly hit critical mass and now the snail population was out of control! Everywhere you went, there was that 'crunching' sound. Hundreds of shells were crushed under every person's step. Cars rolling over them made a symphony of crackle and squish. The streets were a flaky paste. Then there was the smell: more 'fishy' than 'meaty'. Birds couldn't keep up. Most couldn't even fly, they were full of fresh snail. That's when the 'bird problem' got out of hand. They were so fat, they couldn't move and now they too were being crushed! It was awful. Though the feathers muffled up the crunching sound a bit, which was a relief. But the townspeople never worried as they were a strong kind. At least not until that dead polar bear was found on the steps of the courthouse. That almost never happens this far South. email: [email protected] web: www.michaeloster.com