What an exhilarating day as my humans and I hop onto Goldie, ready to set sail on an adventure to the world-famous Narcisse Snake Dens in Manitoba!
Nestled about 113 kilometres north of our home in Winnipeg, the Narcisse Snake Dens is the ultimate hotspot for these charming reptiles.
They’ve got quite the ingenious hibernation setup within the limestone that keeps them snug and toasty!
These reptiles have Manitoba winters figured out!
Long before temperatures head below freezing and humans don their parkas, the snakes are snuggled far below the snow!
On our way to the Narcisse Snake Dens, we spotted a giant statue of two garter snakes in nearby Inwood.
Always eager to explore, we made a quick stop to snap some selfies with Sam and Sara, the stars of the snake statue.
Who could resist a photo op like that?
Plus, it was a fun way to learn more about the slinky stars of our upcoming show!
The Narcisse Snake Dens grounds are immaculately maintained, easy to navigate for all, and educational for all inquisitive ducks and humans.
Beautiful picnic areas invite families to relax in the sunshine, surrounded by the delightful sounds of nature.
What a perfect setting to prepare for our wild escapade!
The excitement really ramps up around here in the spring!
As the temperatures rise, over 100,000 garter snakes burst forth from their underground dens, creating a jaw-dropping scene.
These slender beauties sport striking stripes and vibrant colours that are not only eye-catching but also help them thrive in the ecosystem.
But don’t fret! These delightful red-sided garter snakes are friendly and non-venomous. With their bright yellow stripes and eye-catching red markings, they glide across the landscape with such flair!
They’re nature’s pest controllers, gobbling up earthworms, slugs, and little insects to keep everything balanced!
The ground shivers and shakes as these lively snakes emerge.
The male snakes show off their moves as the females arrive, creating those fascinating “mating balls.” Imagine dozens of eager males zooming around a single female, talk about a lively dance floor!
As spring progresses, the female garter snakes produce their eggs, although guess what?
They don’t actually lay the eggs; they hatch right inside their bodies, according to the informative signs at Narcisse. How cool is that?
After the romantic festivities wind down, it’s time for our scaly friends to hunt for their favourite snacks, like frogs and worms, and travel the area!
Fun Fact, some of the females have tracked a whopping 17 kilometres from the dens!
As autumn approaches, the snakes return to their limestone dens for a cozy eight-month hibernation, only to repeat this amazing journey the following year.
While the snakes are snoozing during those colder months, humans can enjoy the Narcisse Snake Dens site to experience colourful leaves in fall and the frosty beauty of winter.
Perfect for serene nature walks and fall family picnics!
Then, when Spring arrives, so too does the garter snake extravaganza!
Narcisse Snake Dens showcases the wonderful connections between geology, climate, and our animal friends.
And the great cycle of life continues!
NEVER MISS A
