Slithery snakes emerge from Manitoba's Narcisse dens for orgy
Mid-May is the peak period to view the snakes' emergence and mating
While some Manitobans took to cabin country this May long weekend, others visited the Interlake’s world-renowned Narcisse Snake Dens.
As many as 50,000 red-sided garter snakes can typically emerge from the Narcisse hibernacula — a series of underground caves — as early as late April, but a cold spring postponed the mass exodus until just this past week.
Interpreters said mid-May will be the peak viewing period this spring and may last two to three weeks.
The spectacle draws thousands of people from around the world and has been the subject of several nature specials.
Visitors walk a three-kilometre stretch of trail where they can view thousands of snakes knotted-up in mating balls at four different denning sites.
Snake pit-goers are encouraged to wear windbreakers, hiking shoes and to visit on sunny days, when the cold-blooded reptiles are most active.
The Narcisse dens contain the largest concentration of red-sided garter snakes in the world.