Are there rattlesnakes in southeast Saskatchewan? Warnings on some area golf courses would seem to indicate there are.

Conservation Officer Rich Hildebrand said there are no confirmed reports of rattlesnakes in the Weyburn/Estevan area. He said it is possible there could be Rattlers in the Big Muddy area, however, they have no confirmed cases. Hildebrand said, most often, sightings of rattlesnakes in the southeast corner of the province are usually Hog-nosed Snakes, which are not venomous.

"It will vibrate its tail in dry leaves and things like that as well and makes a very similar sound to rattlesnakes, apparently," explained Hildebrand.

He said the traditional range for the Prairie Rattlesnake is in the southwestern portion of the province. He added that while the Weyburn/Estevan area may be quite a bit out of their range, it is possible for a rattlesnake to travel along the river to the area.

"We do have one record of one around Elbow, Sask but it is believed that it got washed down along the South Saskatchewan River and ended up there."

Still, Hildebrand suggested that anyone who sees a rattlesnake keeps their distance.