A man from Pennsylvania was caught trying to sneak a live turtle through security at a New Jersey airport, as reported by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The incident occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport when a body scanner alarm alerted TSA officers of something suspicious.
During a pat-down, it was discovered that the man from East Stroudsburg had hidden the turtle in his pants. The reptile, identified as a red-ear slider turtle measuring about 5 inches (12 centimeters) in length, was wrapped in a small blue towel.
The man claimed the turtle was a pet, commonly known as a red-ear slider. This species is popular as a choice for many people looking for a pet.
This photo provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shows a turtle in a box after a Pennsylvania man was caught with the turtle concealed in his pants when the TSA body scanner triggered an alarm in the area of the man’s groin on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J. (TSA via AP)
The man — whose name was not released — was escorted from the checkpoint area by Port Authority police and ended up missing his flight. The turtle was confiscated, and it’s not clear if the turtle was the man’s pet or why he had it in his pants.
“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,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions.”
He said the incident remains under investigation, and it wasn’t clear if the man would face any charges or penalties.
