CBC (Toronto, Ontario) 20 April 06 Slithery snakes sure sign of spring in N.W.T.
The most northerly population of red-sided garter snakes in the world has been maintained thanks to protective measures and co-operation from local people, say biologists in Fort Smith, N.W.T.
Wildlife officials are conducting a count of the snakes, which live in dens along the Salt River, just a few kilometres from Fort Smith.
Viewing the snakes' emergence from their hibernation pits has become a kind of rite of spring around Fort Smith, a community on the N.W.T.-Alberta border, with locals making the short pilgrimage to watch the rare sight.
Biologists say that despite the public's curiosity, the snakes' numbers, thought to be around 800 animals, has remained stable since the last count five years ago.
"People are respecting the area ... I think the people of Fort Smith adopt this place as their own," said biologist Stuart McMillan. "They come every year like a pilgrimage. It's a fabulous location for people to see a fascinating natural cycle."
Spring is the snake's mating season, and the animals gather for a few days in one location, making them relatively simple to count.
"Most of the males have come out and they're waiting for the females to come out so they can mob them and mate with them," said Macmillan.
Five researchers spread out across a rocky hillside, capturing the animals in a turquoise pillowcase. The captured snakes are weighed and measured, and marked for future counts.
Biologists are pleased with the health of the population, with the largest snake caught weighing 195 grams. The longest is 725 millimetres.
When they're released, the snakes appear unfazed by their brief capture, and immediately tangle themselves around a large female in what is called a mating ball.
Once they've mated they begin a 12-kilometre journey to their summer grounds.
Slithery snakes sure sign of spring in N.W.T.