TORRINGTON, Conn. (AP) – A 10-foot-long yellow anaconda that escaped from its owner’s apartment more than a week ago didn’t get too far. The snake, named Ana, was found alive in the basement of the apartment building on Birge Street Saturday by a state Department of Environmental Protection conservation officer. It had been missing since May 15.

The snake’s owner, Ray Beauchesne, believed it had escaped out a vent in the building. Officials warned neighbors to stay away from the snake if they came across it, because of its sharp teeth. Authorities were also concerned that the reptile would not survive long because of the cold nights.

Police Chief Robert Milano said possessing anacondas is only illegal when they create a nuisance to other animals. Anacondas, some of the largest snakes in the world, are not endangered and are not poisonous. They are constrictors with powerful jaws and can grow to more than 29 feet long and more than 500 pounds.

Beauchesne gave the snake, which had its own room in his apartment and ate whole rotisserie chickens, to Massachusetts-based Rainforest Reptile Shows after it was found.