The annual spring gathering of garter snakes in Narcisse, Manitoba, known as the largest in the world, is currently taking place. Typically occurring in late April, this year’s emergence was delayed due to cooler temperatures.
The cold-blooded creatures leave their winter dens in Manitoba’s Interlake region to engage in mating rituals as the weather warms. The recent announcement by the province confirmed a high number of snakes, inviting interested individuals to witness this natural spectacle.
Retired biologist Doug Collicutt explained that male snakes emerge first to await the females. Upon the females’ emergence, a chaotic scene unfolds as males compete to mate with them, forming “mating balls” visible to visitors.
An estimated 70,000 to 100,000 snakes gather in the Narcisse area each spring. (Justin Fraser/CBC)
Collicutt noted that temperature and rainfall significantly impact the snakes’ emergence. Without adequate warmth and moisture, their activity is delayed. Despite the weather challenges, visitors observed the snakes along the trail connecting the dens.
One visitor, Liam Warren, shared his experience of spotting 59 snakes, expressing surprise at the snake count given the weather conditions. Families, like Veronique Simard’s, traveled to Narcisse to witness the event, with Simard expressing satisfaction with the trip.
The emergence period lasts about a month before the snakes disperse to their summer feeding grounds. According to snake interpreter Raelene Sawatzky-Dyck, the snakes travel significant distances for food, consuming leeches, insects, and occasionally small birds.
Veronique Simard fulfills her long-standing wish to visit the Narcisse snake dens with her family. They explored the trail connecting the dens on a Sunday morning. (Justin Fraser/CBC)
The snakes return to their dens in early September as fall approaches. Sawatzky-Dyck mentioned the challenge of studying the snakes due to their elusive behavior but estimated a significant population in the Narcisse region.
Despite the large gathering of snakes, young observer Aiden Schmidt found the experience fascinating rather than frightening, appreciating the unique appearance of the reptiles.
