The Snakes of Narcisse
Wildlife Management Area
Our Main Attraction
We're alive with snakes. It's here in the Interlake area that you can see more snakes
at a glance than anywhere else in the world. For two brief periods each year tens of
thousands of red-sided garter snakes congregate at the surface of their winter dens.
Beginning with the first few warm days of spring, garter snakes emerge from these dens and
gather in large numbers to perform a fascinating mating ritual. Following a two to three
week frenzy of mating activity, snakes disperse to nearby marshes for the summer. By early
fall they return to their dens, wintering in fissures and crevasses of the limestone
bedrock below the frozen ground.
We're Easy To Find
Just look for the Narcisse Snake Dens sign on Highway #17, six kilometers north of
Narcisse. Turn east at the den sign and follow the short road to the parking lot. Here you
will find orientation signs, washrooms, the picnic area and a 3.0 km walking trail. The
trail winds through native grassland and aspen bush, and is easy to follow.
Winnipegers should allow approximately one and a half hours to cover the 130
kilometer trip to
Narcisse Wildlife Management Area.
[ Location Map ]
Best Viewing Times
Spring: The latter part of April and first three weeks in May is
generally the best time to visit the Narcisse Snake Dens. During this period snakes are
preoccupied with mating and are easily approached by visitors. The greatest activity tends
to coincide with the disappearance of snow and the first few hot sunny days of spring.
Fall: Garter snakes return to their dens in early September. Once
there, they remain active and visible to visitors until cool, wet autumn weather forces
them underground. Fall viewing of snakes is best during warm sunny days.
What To Bring
It's always a good idea to have a cap and windbreaker with you. Comfortable hiking
boots or a sturdy pair of running shoes are all you need. Some portions of the trail are
rocky, so you should avoid wearing shoes with a raised heel.
If you plan on pushing a stroller through the area, the south path through the field is
far the easiest route to take.
You may wish to bring your own beverages and a light snack. As you will likely spend anywhere
from one to two hours in the area, and cover a fair bit of ground, chances are you'll work up
a thirst and appetite. Be sure to bring a camera and plenty of film.
Access
Please park in the main lot. Only authorized vehicles operated by Manitoba Conservation
staff and researchers are allowed beyond the parking lot.
Access into the dens and adjacent buffer zones is prohibited for both the safety of
visitors and the well-being of the snakes. Viewing platforms at each den site provide a
convenient location of watching the action.
Site Management
The Narcisse Snake Dens is managed by Manitoba Conservation with the assistance and valuable
input of the Narcisse Snake Management Advisory Group. The Narcisse Snake Management Advisory
Group consists of representatives from the local community, wildlife advocacy groups,
a regional
tourism agency and various levels of government. |
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