Extra passenger? You won’t believe what the TSA found in this man’s pants!

Travelers have seen their fair share of oddities at airport security checkpoints, from forgotten pocket knives to the occasional bottle of water.

But at Newark Liberty International Airport, TSA agents encountered a traveler with a particularly slow-moving secret.

A Pennsylvania man was caught with an unexpected thing snugly hidden in the crotch area of his pants, making for a shell-shocking discovery.



On a seemingly ordinary day, March 7, TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport were conducting their routine security checks when an alarm led to an unexpected turn of events.

A pat-down revealed that a man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was harboring more than just his travel essentials.

Upon inquiry, the man revealed a red-ear slider turtle, wrapped in a blue towel, nestled in his pants.

The red-ear slider, a common pet turtle known for the distinctive red stripe on each side of its head, is not your typical travel buddy. Measuring about 5 inches long, this particular turtle was likely seeking a less adventurous journey than its human companion had planned.


compressed-pexels-micaasato-1082529.jpeg
A man was caught by TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport attempting to smuggle a live turtle in his pants. Image source: Mica Asato / Pexels.



The man's attempt to smuggle his shelled friend past security resulted in him missing his flight and being escorted from the checkpoint by Port Authority Police.

The destination of this duo remains a mystery, as police did not disclose where the man intended to travel.


Source: @tsa / Instagram.​


While the red-ear slider may be a beloved pet for many, it's also an invasive species that can cause ecological disruption.

Native to the southern United States, these turtles are often found in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, creeks, and streams. However, their popularity in the pet trade has led to their spread across every continent except Antarctica.



The Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) Animal Hospitals note that red-ear sliders can grow into large adults with complex needs, which some pet owners may not anticipate.

This can lead to the unfortunate and often illegal release of these turtles into the wild, where they can outcompete native species and spread diseases.

The turtle trouser incident is not the first time TSA has uncovered attempts to transport animals in unconventional ways.


Source: @tsa / Instagram.​


In California, TSA agents discovered 37 giant beetles hidden inside packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips, and chocolate. These beetles, some as large as the turtle in question, were valued at $1,480.



Meanwhile, at Miami International Airport, TSA officers found two snakes inside a camouflaged pouch, a discovery that slithered its way into TSA's Top 10 Best Catches of 2024 video.

TSA humorously warned against the dangers of “hiding danger noodles” in one's attire.


Source: KOMO News / Youtube.​


Key Takeaways
  • A man was caught by TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport attempting to smuggle a live turtle in his pants.
  • The reptile was identified as a red-ear slider turtle, estimated to be 5 inches long.
  • The man was escorted out of the security checkpoint by Port Authority Police after missing his flight due to the incident.
  • Red-ear slider turtles are popular pets but can become an invasive species if released into the wild, potentially spreading diseases to native wildlife.

Have you ever encountered an unusual situation while flying? Do you have any tips for traveling with pets? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
 

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