The world’s largest gathering of snakes is currently taking place in Manitoba, with tens of thousands of garter snakes emerging from their dens in Narcisse, albeit slightly later than usual. Typically occurring at the end of April when temperatures rise enough for the cold-blooded creatures to leave their winter dwellings in Manitoba’s Interlake region and start their mating rituals, this year’s emergence was delayed due to cooler spring weather. The province recently announced that the snake population had reached a sufficient level for interested spectators to witness the phenomenon.
Retired biologist Doug Collicutt explained that male snakes come out early to await the females, creating a scene where the females struggle to leave their dens and pits to mate with the males amidst a mass of writhing bodies. Visitors can observe large clusters of snakes coiled into “mating balls” during this period.
Collicutt mentioned that the snakes’ emergence is influenced by ground temperatures and rainfall, as warmth and moisture play crucial roles in their behavior. Despite the weather conditions, around 100 people were exploring the trail connecting the dens on a recent Sunday morning. Visitors like Liam Warren, who counted 59 snakes, expressed surprise at the numbers given the weather conditions.
Veronique Simard, who had long awaited a visit to the Narcisse snake dens since her move to Manitoba, found the three-hour journey from Brandon worthwhile, as did her family. The emergence of the garter snakes typically lasts about a month before they disperse to their summer feeding grounds, where they consume leeches, insects, and occasionally, young birds.
According to snake interpreter Raelene Sawatzky-Dyck, the snakes travel considerable distances for food, covering up to 20 or 30 kilometers due to their small size. The reptiles return to their dens around early September when fall weather prompts them to retreat underground. Despite the challenges of studying these creatures in their dens, estimates suggest that 70,000 to 100,000 snakes could be present in the area during any given spring.
Ten-year-old Aiden Schmidt found the sight of numerous snakes fascinating and not scary at all, appreciating the unique appearance of their scales. The community eagerly awaits the annual emergence and dispersal of these garter snakes, marking a natural spectacle that draws visitors from near and far.
