When we think of honeymoons or romantic getaways, we often imagine beaches, candle-lit dinners, or picturesque mountains. But in the natural world, romance looks a little different—and a lot more scaly.
Every spring in Narcisse, a quiet town in Manitoba, Canada, thousands of snakes slither out of their winter dens in what might be the most extraordinary “honeymoon” gathering on Earth.
Known as the Narcisse Snake Dens, this is the largest recorded mating congregation . After months of hibernation, tens of thousands of snakes emerge from limestone sinkholes—called dens—to mate in a spectacular, if slightly spine-tingling, ritual that has drawn scientists and curious tourists from around the globe.
The star of the show? The red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis).
When the weather begins to warm—typically in late April to early May—males emerge first, lying in wait for the females. Once the females surface, sometimes days or weeks later, they are swarmed by dozens or even hundreds of suitors, forming what biologists call a mating ball.
In this tangled, writhing mass of serpentine energy, males compete fiercely for the chance to mate, sometimes even mimicking female behaviour to confuse their rivals.
It’s all part of a finely tuned evolutionary system.
The unique geological features of Manitoba’s Interlake region provide ideal conditions for these snakes.
The area is characterised by limestone bedrock with numerous crevices and sinkholes, offering perfect hibernation spots below the frost line. Additionally, the surrounding wetlands supply ample food sources, such as frogs and small mammals, supporting large snake populations.
This annual phenomenon has not only intrigued scientists but also attracted tourists worldwide.
Visitors can observe the snakes from viewing platforms and along a 3.0-kilometer self-guiding interpretive trail established by the province of Manitoba. The best viewing times are during sunny days in late April and the first three weeks of May, coinciding with peak mating activity.
Recognising the ecological significance of this event, conservation measures have been implemented to protect the snakes. Fencing and tunnel systems have been constructed to reduce road mortality, guiding snakes safely across roads during their seasonal migrations.
While humans have their honeymoon traditions, the red-sided garter snakes of Narcisse partake in their own version, turning the quiet Canadian town into a bustling hub of reptilian romance each spring.
