WILDLIFE -- A rattlesnake that slithered near a Kennewick playground on Thursday was quickly dispatched by a police officer and tossed in the Columbia River.

According to the Associated Press, a Seattle couple called 911 when they spotted the snake moving in the grass near the playground. Families cowered in their cars until the police arrived.

My God, was the snake toting an AK-47?  Was it chasing people? No.

Read on for the rest of the AP report. Sheesh.

The Western rattlesnake is common in Eastern Washington but they aren’t usually found so far away from the sunny rock crevices they call home.

Kennewick’s park manager says this was his first report of a rattlesnake in Columbia Park and he’s worked for the city for 19 years. It’s uncommon to find rattlesnakes near developed areas.

Officials say snakes do not prey on humans and are frightened by them. They recommend just staying away when a rattlesnake is spotted.