Boa constrictor caught near Manhattan apartment, police investigate

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

The snake was spotted Wednesday morning slithering up to the exterior gate of a Manhattan complex. He was trying to get into a basement apartment, New York police 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 Manhattan Animal Care Centers in New York, the police department confirmed.

“The boa was removed from an outdoor fence on the Upper West Side of Manhattan,” an ACC spokesperson wrote. “It is illegal to own Boa constrictors in New York.”

The ACC added that the snake was placed with a foster guardian outside the city.

The origin of the snake under investigation

Authorities said the investigation into where the snake came from was ongoing.

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

“It’s probably someone’s escaped pet,” one Facebook user wrote.

Other social media users made fun of the situation.

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

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