Whelks are marine snails belonging to the family Buccinidae. They have spiral-shaped shells and are commonly found in coastal waters around the world. Whelks are known for their strong, muscular foot, which they use to move along the ocean floor and to burrow into sand or mud. These snails are carnivorous and primarily feed on other mollusks, such as clams and oysters. Whelks play an important role in the marine ecosystem by helping to control the population of their prey. They are also harvested for food in many cultures, often served in dishes or as seafood delicacies.