Snakes in Manitoba

Manitoba has 6 recorded snake species and zero venomous species, so every snake you may encounter in the province is harmless to people.

Canada's cold northern climate sharply limits how many snake species can survive this far north, and the species that do live here cope with long winters by hibernating communally in shared dens, sometimes by the thousands, before emerging in spring. The Narcisse snake dens in Manitoba are among the largest gatherings of snakes anywhere in the world, drawing huge numbers of red-sided garter snakes each year.

The snakes you will see are common, harmless species: garter snakes, which are the most cold-tolerant snakes in the Americas, along with redbelly snakes and other small native species. With no venomous snakes present, the risk to people is very low. Even so, do not handle or pick up a wild snake. Leave it alone and give it space, and it will move on. In any medical emergency, contact local emergency services, or in the US call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.