NARCISSE, Manitoba, May 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- U-Haul today announced the release of 1,450 new 14-foot and 26-foot moving vans showcasing the amazing natural wonder of the Narcisse Snake Dens. Each April through May, the Interlake region of Manitoba is home to the spectacular mating and feeding rituals of up to 150,000 red-sided garter snakes. These remarkable creatures create the world's largest concentration of vertebrate species.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4982
At 2 P.M. on Sunday, May 11, U-Haul will officially unveil the Manitoba SuperGraphic as its "Venture Across Canada" Campaign visits the Narcisse Snake Dens, just off Highway #17, six kilometers north of Narcisse, Manitoba. This time of the year is the height of the snake-viewing season, so those attending the unveiling ceremony will have the opportunity to tour the dens and view these startling reptiles for themselves. Attendees also will have the opportunity to hear from respected local dignitaries and those involved with the Narcisse Snake Dens, and each person attending will receive a free commemorative Narcisse Snake Dens T-shirt and informational book. The ceremony and U-Haul giveaways are free.
These amazing reptiles play an integral part in the food chain as both predators and prey as they delicately contribute to nature's balance. Manitoba Conservation has made sure that these important reptiles remain a part of the Manitoba landscape and has helped to educate the public about their important role in the ecosystem. These creatures soon will be "slithering" their way across North America as the latest addition to the "Venture Across Canada" U-Haul SuperGraphics series.
"We are thrilled to partner with Manitoba Conservation to educate the public about this astounding region of Manitoba," stated Real Faucher, president, U-Haul Company of Central Canada. "Now, people all over North America will have the privilege of seeing and learning more about the red-sided garter snake. These often-hidden snakes of Manitoba can now be seen year-round as they travel with U-Haul across North America on the sides of 1,450 moving vans."
"The snake dens of Narcisse provide visitors with the opportunity to see more snakes at a glance than anywhere else in the world," said Conservation Minister Stan Struthers. "We are pleased U-Haul vehicles will showcase this natural wonder highlighting the tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes that congregate in the area twice a year."
U-Haul has been decorating its moving trucks with vibrant images featuring distinctive features of every U.S. state and Canadian province since 1988 with the launch of the "America's Moving Adventure" and "Canada's Moving Adventure" U-Haul SuperGraphics Campaigns. The newest SuperGraphics are part of the "Venture Across Canada" Campaign that highlights little-known facts about North America. Nearly 200 different images have been created since the SuperGraphics Program began. They can be viewed online by visiting www.uhaul.com/supergraphics.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
