when is a snail truly and surely deceased?

[saltydad]

How do you know when a snail is dead for sure? I mean, they sometimes stay in the same place for days, and if you're not watching them carefully, you may not notice. Does anyone have a method beyond pulling them out and giving them the ol' sniff test?

 

[mudplayerx]

Pull it out and see if it stinks. It will stink really badly if it is dead.

 

[buckster71]

What kind of snail?
Asteras are easy. If they are upside down and the shell is empty...then it was crab food.....