"Manitoba's Snakes" (by Olivier Blaise)

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. The first thing you notice, at the end of a rocky path, is the noise. A faint rustling, a slithering sound from under the dead leaves, becomes clearer and clearer.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:39:34 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. The first thing you notice, at the end of a rocky path, is the noise. A faint rustling, a slithering sound from under the dead leaves, becomes clearer and clearer.
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The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Of the 50 nests listed in the region, five of them contain more than 5000 snakes. In addition to Inwood, there is also Narcisse, a hamlet further north, where one of the holes is home to up to 30000 snakes. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:39:58 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Of the 50 nests listed in the region, five of them contain more than 5000 snakes. In addition to Inwood, there is also Narcisse, a hamlet further north, where one of the holes is home to up to 30000 snakes. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. The only American reptile capable of surviving in such cold regions.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:40:16 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. The only American reptile capable of surviving in such cold regions.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. The local limestone karst, hollowed out by thousands of years of erosion, is riddled with vast underground caverns : these are where the snakes hibernate. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:40:42 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. The local limestone karst, hollowed out by thousands of years of erosion, is riddled with vast underground caverns : these are where the snakes hibernate. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. A moving carpet of intertwined bodies : hundreds of small heads with black and fawn scales suddenly rise up and stare at you. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:46:28 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. A moving carpet of intertwined bodies : hundreds of small heads with black and fawn scales suddenly rise up and stare at you. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. these garter snakes, or striped eastern grass snakes, which measure 30â€“60 centimetres on average (slightly longer for the females), are completely harmless. They are totally non-venomous. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:46:55 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. these garter snakes, or striped eastern grass snakes, which measure 30â€“60 centimetres on average (slightly longer for the females), are completely harmless. They are totally non-venomous. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:47:12 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:48:08 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:48:26 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:48:45 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:49:13 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. How do they find their way ? Robert Mason, an American biologist from the University of Oregon who has been studying them for the past 20 years, believes they rely on their sense of smell as well as following the stars. This enigma has, however, not been fully resolved It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:49:40 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. How do they find their way ? Robert Mason, an American biologist from the University of Oregon who has been studying them for the past 20 years, believes they rely on their sense of smell as well as following the stars. This enigma has, however, not been fully resolved It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:50:13 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:50:42 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Two sculptures of giant garter snakes, nicknamed "Sssam" and "Sssarah", indicate that you are approaching to the site. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:51:17 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Two sculptures of giant garter snakes, nicknamed "Sssam" and "Sssarah", indicate that you are approaching to the site. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:51:44 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:52:34 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:53:42 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. "Man remains the main threat to this population", points out Robert Mason. Agriculture pollutes the water table and destroys the marshlands where grass snakes feed while mining and road works churn up the underground areas where they hibernate. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:54:24 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. "Man remains the main threat to this population", points out Robert Mason. Agriculture pollutes the water table and destroys the marshlands where grass snakes feed while mining and road works churn up the underground areas where they hibernate. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:54:53 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Many are also run over by cars as they move around. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:55:17 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Many are also run over by cars as they move around. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Over the past few years, tunnels have been dug to provide safe passage under the roads. According to Robert Mason, 20 000 garter snakes manage to avoid being run over each year as a result. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:55:54 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Over the past few years, tunnels have been dug to provide safe passage under the roads. According to Robert Mason, 20 000 garter snakes manage to avoid being run over each year as a result. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Balls of mating snakes form on fences and in the branches of the bushes. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:56:24 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Balls of mating snakes form on fences and in the branches of the bushes. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Schools in the area are therefore responsible for teaching children about these snakes from an early age. During school trips to Narcisse, children are helped to overcome their basic aversion to snakes in a rather direct manner: they have to hold them in their hands. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:57:31 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Schools in the area are therefore responsible for teaching children about these snakes from an early age. During school trips to Narcisse, children are helped to overcome their basic aversion to snakes in a rather direct manner: they have to hold them in their hands. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:58:15 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:58:50 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:00:22 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:01:46 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:02:20 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:03:11 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:04:20 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:04:55 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:06:19 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating. A theory is supported by studies carried out by scientists at Chatfield research center north of Narcisse. Some of those snakes are "transvestites" to become more "virile"
view full-size image

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:06:38 +0000

The spring migration of the red sided garter snake. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. It is the largest concentration of snakes in the world. Every springtime in Narcisse, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, tens of thousands of them burst out of holes in the rocks where they have been hibernating.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:07:36 +0000