Bull snakes live (and swim) in southwestern parts of Saskatchewan. They stay mostly near major river valleys and lakes in native grassland areas likes the shores of Lake Diefenbaker. (Image Credit: ID 19816345 © Angel Hill | Dreamstime.com)
That's not a fish

VIDEO: ‘What even is that?’ bullsnake filmed swimming on Lake Diefenbaker

Aug 21, 2026 | 10:48 AM

Boats. Birds. Swimmers. These are the things you expect to see when you’re out on the lake.

A giant snake skimming along the surface is not typically part of the experience. But that’s exactly what Brad Magnan and his friends saw — and captured on camera — while fishing at Lake Diefenbaker, south of Saskatoon, on Sunday.

“That was our first time at that lake. We didn’t know there would be snakes at all there,” Magnan said.

Magnan, who is from Breton, Alta., southwest of Edmonton, admits he was a little startled when he first saw the bullsnake.

“It was exciting and we were scared it was going to jump in the boat.”

The good news for Magnan and his friends is that although bullsnakes can grow up to eight feet long, they are non-venomous and rarely bite, according to multiple online sources.

After the initial surprise wore off, Magnan said the experience was “fun,” and they left the snake alone after the initial sighting. He promises the encounter hasn’t scared him off from returning to Saskatchewan.

“We had a great trip. Saskatchewan has way better fishing than Alberta,” Magnan said.

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