Last updated May 15, 2008 •Snake numbers at the Narcisse snake Dens have been low, in large part due to the cooler weather we have experienced recently. It's anticipated that if the sunshine and warmer daytime temperatures forecast for this coming long weekend materialize, snake numbers will increase to at least a few thousand spread among the four active dens on the site. Beyond this coming weekend, remaining snakes will begin to disperse to their summer range and viewing will decline significantly.
Every spring, the Narcisse Snake Dens are alive with tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes as
they slither to the surface from their winter dens. These snakes are ready to begin their annual mating ritual. This spectacular ritual lasts for a one to three week period in late April
or early May, depending on weather conditions. The male snakes are usually first to surface and they wait
patiently for the females to come out. As the larger females surface, the male snakes are eager to mate with
them. This eagerness is displayed in the familiar “mating ball,” where one female is surrounded by up to one
hundred males. There are four active snake dens at the Narcisse WMA. The dens are connected by a three-kilometre
self-guiding interpretive trail. Although the garter snakes are harmless, they are best viewed by the
observation platforms built next to the dens.
To
get to the snake dens just look for the signs on Highway
#17, six kilometers north of Narcisse. Turn east at
the den signs and follow the short road to the parking lot.
Here you will find orientation signs, washrooms, drinking
water and a 3 kilometer walking trail. It’s a good
idea to wear comfortable hiking boots or a sturdy pair of
runners as some portions of the trail are rocky.
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