Manitoba to snake-proof housing complex

The Manitoba government is coming to the aid of seniors tormented by garter snakes.

The slithery invaders have been infesting a Manitoba Housing complex in the community of Inwood, about 150 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

On Thursday, the province said it would snake-proof the building by hiring a contractor to repair foundation and stuccocracks.

People living at the Inwood Manor apartments said snakes have been slithering through any crack they can find. The snakes are showing up in residents' laundry, in their beds, and in one case, inside a toaster.

The apartment block, which is owned by Manitoba Housing but operated by a non-profit community group, is located about six kilometres from a major Manitoba tourist attraction, the Narcisse Snake Dens.

During the fall season, thousands of garter snakes make their way to the dens to hibernate over the winter.

No date was provided on when repairs to the housing complex would begin.