Is Red-sided Garter Snake Mating Balls happening right now?

As of today, out of season, returns ~April. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.

Each spring, tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) emerge from underground dens near Narcisse, Manitoba and form dense mating aggregations called mating balls.

The phenomenon is concentrated at a handful of limestone-den sites and lasts several weeks, producing large daytime gatherings on warm days.

Where to see it

A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.

Viewing spots
Narcisse Snake Dens - Main Boardwalk Viewing Platform
Narcisse Interpretive Area / Visitor Parking
+ 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app →

This is the short version

This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.