Jerry Saunders, a volunteer on the board, says a typical day at Manitoba's Eriksdale Recreation Centre involves removing 20 to 30 red-sided garter snakes, then watching others slip back inside through the doors, according to CBC News.
The arena isn't the only place affected — snakes have shown up in houses and even inside light fixtures, and Derrick McCandless, one of the owners of the Eriksdale Music Shop, says they are also getting into his home and store.
Here's what to know
Repeated encounters with red-sided garter snakes have become an ongoing problem in Eriksdale, a community in Manitoba's Interlake region.
Saunders, a member of the recreation center's community club board, noted that the building's size makes it particularly difficult to keep sealed because "they're getting in through the doors when people come in."
He observed that the snakes seem to gather around the building for warmth, especially near the black siding and warm sidewalks. That may explain why people are running into them around skating facilities and at private homes.
McCandless, who co-owns a music shop, removes about 50 snakes a day from the property where his store and home are located.
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"I don't get any other work done, other than walking around taking snakes out of the building," McCandless told CBC News. The snakes are protected under Manitoba's Wildlife Act, so residents cannot legally kill, capture, or injure one without authorization.
Residents and local officials are trying to manage a growing nuisance without harming the animals.
More background
About 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Eriksdale are the Narcisse Snake Dens, where thousands of red-sided garter snakes emerge each spring to mate.
The species also migrates in spring and autumn as temperatures change, another reason large numbers move through the area.
Residents say the problem has intensified over time. Saunders said it has been "building for years," while McCandless admitted that the snakes used to feel more like a "novelty" and now represent a serious issue.
Saunders said snakes are crawling up walls and coming out of light fixtures in homes, and he worries some people may be staying away from the recreation center because of what they could encounter before even getting their skates on.
Buildings, pavement, and other development can create warm surfaces or shelter that attract animals.
In Eriksdale, warm siding, sidewalks, and doorways appear to be doing just that.
What's being done?
A provincial spokesperson confirmed that Manitoba's Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures department is aware that large numbers of red-sided garter snakes are present in the Eriksdale area, CBC News reported, citing a statement given to Radio-Canada.
The spokesperson advised residents dealing with repeated intrusions to block foundation entry points, keep grass cut short, and clear debris that could give snakes shelter.
Saunders said it is "almost impossible" to fully seal the recreation center, so he continues using a bucket to move snakes back to the grass outside.
West Interlake CAO Gary Campbell explained that officials are trying to determine what action is possible given the snakes' protected status.
"We're trying our best to deal with it and live with them," Campbell told CBC News.
Efforts are focused on keeping snakes out of buildings rather than removing them from the region entirely.
Saunders speculated that the snakes' presence may already be changing how people use community spaces.
"There's people who probably aren't coming because of the snakes. It is chasing people away."
Where can I learn more?
These stories examine similar cases of snakes appearing in homes and neighborhoods. They show how repeated encounters happen and what makes those spaces attractive to reptiles.
• In Arkansas, snakes taking over a vacant home showed how readily empty buildings become shelter.
• Across the Mid-South, small openings are to blame as snake calls jump 50%.
• In Florida, Burmese pythons pose a serious threat, turning up inside homes.
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