A 5-foot long boa constrictor caused quite a stir at an Upper West Side apartment complex last week.

The Phanincsnake was seen Wednesday morning crawling up an exterior gate at a complex in Manhattan. It was trying to get into a basement apartment, the New York Police Department told USA TODAY.

Officers showed up and found the snake, then the department’s Emergency Services Unit responded to the scene. ESU secured the snake and took it to the Animal Care Centers of NYC’s Manhattan location, the police department confirmed.

“The boa was removed from an outdoor fence in the upper west side of Manhattan,” wrote an ACC spokesperson. “Boa constrictors are illegal to own in New York City.”

The ACC added that the snake has been placed with a foster guardian outside of the city.

Snake's origin under investigation

Authorities said the investigation to find out where the snake came from is ongoing.

When police shared the news about the snake online, social media users took to the comments with speculation.

“That's probably someone's escaped pet,” wrote one Facebook user.

Other social media users poked fun at the situation.

“Law & Order: Animal Control Unit,” wrote one X user. “I'd watch it.”

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].