Jumping Slug

This specimen of the notorious jumping slugs of Columbia County tripped a motion detector and was caught by stop-action photography just as it was about to launch into what could be called an astounding leap. Scientists are not sure what gives this slug the ability to jump great distances but some attribute the capability to fast twitch muscle fibers found in the slug's body. Others state that the source of the jet-like propulsion of the slug comes from methane gas formed in the creature's gut as a result of a diet of moldy leaves. That the creature is rarely seen performing its miraculous leaps is because it feeds at night, prefering to hide during the daytime.

Some sign of slug intelligence is indicated according to scientists. Note that the slug inclines its body at 45 degrees elevation to achieve the optimum angle for distance. This is not a random act as every slug we have seen jump precedes its jump by such action. A higher or lower angle results in a loss of distance. It is rumored that high-stake gamblers in the county bet on which slug can jump the farthest.

By: GusTropoda
Columbia County Slugologist