NEWARK, N.J. – Security personnel at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey faced an unusual situation recently when they discovered a live turtle hidden inside a passenger’s clothing. A man from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was found with the turtle in his pants as he passed through security screening, as reported by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The incident occurred on Friday, when a body scanner detected something suspicious in the groin area of the man’s pants, prompting TSA officers to conduct a pat-down. This led them to find the concealed turtle. Upon further questioning, the man retrieved the turtle, measuring approximately 5 inches (12 centimeters), from his pants. The animal was wrapped in a small blue towel and identified as a red-ear slider turtle, a popular pet species.
The man was escorted away from the checkpoint by Port Authority police officers, causing him to miss his scheduled flight. The turtle was confiscated, though it remains unclear whether it was the man’s pet or for what reason he chose to conceal it in such a manner.
Thomas Carter, the TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, commented on the situation by noting that while various objects—including knives and weapons—have been hidden in travelers’ clothing, luggage, and shoes before, this was the first instance of someone trying to smuggle a live animal in this way. Thankfully, he assured, the turtle appeared unharmed by the ordeal.
The situation is still under investigation. Authorities are determining whether the man, whose identity was not disclosed, will face charges or any penalties related to the incident.
