Whelk alive!

Here's a look at a live whelk shell. The critter inside...the artist who has crafted this fine shell...is not neglectful of his own security. Notice that he has attached a shiny trap door to his body with which he can shut out the outside world. This is called an operculum which I reckon is Latin to keep outta my face, or something like that. This shell is about 6-7 inches long, but since it's still live, it's kapu to keep it...so after photographing it I threw it back.