Airport Scanner Reveals Hidden Turtle in Traveler’s Pants

Security personnel at Newark Liberty International Airport made an unusual discovery on Friday when a body scanner detected more than just keys and loose change in a passenger’s pockets. A Pennsylvania man was caught attempting to bring a live turtle through security by concealing it in his pants, according to federal authorities.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) revealed Tuesday that the incident occurred during routine screening procedures when a body scanner alarm was triggered in the groin area of an East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania resident. What followed was anything but routine for the security officers on duty.

Unexpected Discovery

When the scanner alarm sounded, TSA officers conducted a standard pat-down of the area in question. According to NBC News, the officer quickly determined there was something unusual concealed in the passenger’s pants.

When questioned about what might be causing the alarm, the man reached into the front of his pants and produced a live turtle wrapped in a small blue towel. The creature, approximately five inches in length, was identified by the traveler as a red-eared slider turtle, a species popular as a pet but not native to 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,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, in a statement.

Investigation and Consequences

Following the discovery, Port Authority police were called to the checkpoint to question the man, whose name has not been released by authorities. The turtle was confiscated, and officials indicated they would contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control representatives regarding the incident.

The man was escorted from the security area and subsequently missed his scheduled flight. According to Patch, authorities have not yet determined whether the man will face charges or penalties for attempting to transport the animal in this unusual manner.

“As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions,” Carter noted in his statement, addressing concerns about animal welfare that such incidents typically raise. TSA officials emphasized that the pat-down was conducted in a “very professional manner” despite the unusual circumstances.

Regulations on Traveling with Animals

The incident highlights the importance of understanding regulations regarding traveling with animals. While the TSA does permit travelers to bring small pets through security checkpoints, they must be properly contained in approved carriers that can pass through the X-ray machine. The animal itself should be carried through the walk-through metal detector or removed from its carrier and held during screening.

Red-eared slider turtles, while common as pets, present additional considerations. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, these turtles can be found throughout the state despite not being native to the region. They are considered an invasive species in many areas, having been introduced through the pet trade.

Wildlife experts caution that releasing non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems, which may explain why authorities were particularly concerned about the traveler’s intentions with the reptile. Without proper documentation, transporting certain species across state lines can violate wildlife protection laws.

Not the First Unusual Security Find

While this incident stands out for its unusual nature, TSA officers routinely discover prohibited items during security screenings. In recent years, everything from live animals to unusual weapons have been detected by airport security personnel nationwide.

Security experts note that body scanners are designed to detect both metallic and non-metallic items that could pose security threats, including objects concealed under clothing. These advanced imaging technologies have significantly enhanced security capabilities at checkpoints compared to traditional metal detectors.

“This incident demonstrates the effectiveness of our security protocols and the professionalism of our officers,” a TSA spokesperson added. “While we typically focus on identifying potential security threats, our officers are trained to handle all manner of unusual situations with appropriate care.”

The investigation into why the man attempted to transport the turtle in this manner remains ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed whether the turtle was the man’s pet or if there were other motivations behind the unusual smuggling attempt.