TSA Catches Man With Turtle Hidden in Pants

The Transportation Security Administration apprehended a Pennsylvania man who had tried going through a security checkpoint while hiding a red-ear slider turtle in his pants at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 7. 

The TSA reported the man had triggered an alarm while going through security, which led to a pat-down that led to the man pulling out a small live turtle wrapped in a towel from his groin area. 

Port Authority Police escorted the man out of the security checkpoint and took the turtle for confiscation via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control. 

Newark TSA officials confiscated the small turtle hidden in a man's pants during a security screening. (Photo Credit: TSA)

“I commend our officer who conducted the pat-down in a very professional manner in an effort to resolve the alarm,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “We have seen travelers try to conceal knives and other weapons on their person, in their shoes and in their luggage, however I believe this is the first time we have come across someone who was concealing a live animal down the front of his pants. As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions.”

The turtle was estimated to be about five inches long. Red-ear slider turtles are a common species of turtle to keep as pets, and they are considered very invasive. 

According to the TSA website, it’s up to the airline whether or not a small pet like a cat or turtle will be allowed onboard, though it’s required for the pet to be contained in a pet carrier that can go through the security X-ray machine. TSA reserves the right to deny any item from passing security, however.

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