A chicken was caught Monday in a high security zone at the Pentagon, shocking the highly armed guards who protect the headquarters of the US military machine.

There was no explanation as to how it got there, but after being cornered in the sub-zero temperatures, the bird was given over to local animal control officers.

“Our officers were called to come pick her up,” said the Animal Welfare League of Arlington in its Facebook page.

“Sgt Balaena brought her safely to the shelter where she’ll stay until we find a new home for her,” the organization said, posting a picture of the brown-feathered hen in a plastic carrying cage.

The League asked for suggestions for a name, pulling in numerous ideas: “Henny Penny,” after the Pentagon, several suggested.