Village of Inwood, Manitoba

Reason for Building:

Statue was constructed to make people aware of the unique phenomenon in the area. The red sided garter snake denning area starts around Inwood and extends north to around Gypsumville. A second reason for constructing the statue was to promote tourism in the area. Snakes can be seen by the thousands in May of each year as they come out of their dens. This is a limestone area with many "sink holes" so the snakes are able to get below the frost line in winter.

Additional Information:

The cost of the materials was approximately $2,500. The work was done by volunteers.

Marlene Hourd also created the mosquito in Komarno, MB and painted the Canada Goose in Lundar, MB.

There is at least one live garter snake living in the monument (it surprised me while I was standing next to it).

Here is a photo of a painting of the snakes taken off of the postcard that the RM of Armstrong sent to me:

Information Source: Rural Municipality of Armstrong and Roberston, Bud "Jurassic Prairie" Winnipeg Free Press August 30, 1994

Pictures Sources: DMY , and the Rural Municipality of Armstrong