Narcisse, Manitoba - Snake Dens

The largest concentration of Garter Snakes in the world is about 130 km north of Winnipeg. It's possible to see more snakes at a glance than anywhere else in the world. Just after the snow melts in late April and early May, tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes make slip out of their limestone dens and hang out on the surface of the ground, performing their mating rituals in great tangled heaps. They slide off into the local marshes for the summer, then return to their dens in early fall.

This Wildlife Management Area, which is outfitted with viewing platforms, is located 6 km / 4 mi north of Narcisse. Warm sunny days are the best for spotting them. [Amanda, 02/14/2007]