diff --git a/rc.c b/rc.c
index afebb5c..742d7a4 100644
--- a/rc.c
+++ b/rc.c
@@ -1371,7 +1371,7 @@ void die(sprite_t *s) {
 		}
 
 
-		// recoil (other code will kill us off when this is done
+		// the shell recoils (other code will kill us off when this is done)
 		//  -become invulnerable temporarily
 		s->invuln = INVULNTIME*2; // make sure this lasts until we die
 		//  -bounce back
@@ -4349,6 +4349,12 @@ void dogravity(sprite_t *s) {
 				s->climbing = B_FALSE;
 			}
 		} 
+
+		// snail also dies if it's been alive too long
+		if ((s->id == P_SNAIL) && (s->lives == 0) && (!s->invuln)) {
+			s->dead = D_FINAL;
+		}
+
 		// don't use an ELSE here because king rat needs to fall through
 		if (!ontheground) {
 			//if ((s->id == P_KINGRAT) && ((s->timer1 == KRS_CHARGE) || (s->timer1 == KRS_WALK))) {