Police reported a wild rattlesnake was spotted outside Mendocino Hall Monday night.

The snake was found in the ivy by a student near the south entrance of Mendocino Hall at 7:44 p.m., said police Detective Scott Christian.

“Our officers stayed on scene until animal control arrived to relocate the snake due to the snake’s proximity to the south entry doors of Mendocino Hall,” Christian said.

The animal control officers removed the snake, and nobody got bitten.

“Due to the proximity of the campus to the American River, encounters with snakes and other wildlife isn’t uncommon.  However, rattlesnakes are generally solitary animals, and will typically avoid human contact,” said Christian.

The animal was relocated to a less-populated area away from campus.

Police encourage students and anyone else a member of the campus community to please call the University Police Department if a snake is found on campus and to leave it alone. To reach the Police Department, call 916-278-6851.