Shell-Shocked Security: Man Caught Smuggling Turtle in Pants at Newark Airport
In an unusual incident at Newark Liberty International Airport, a man from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was caught attempting to smuggle a live turtle past security by hiding the reptile inside his pants, according to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) statement released Tuesday.
The incident unfolded last week after the body scanner the TSA used during the man’s routine screening at the New Jersey airport went off, prompting further inspection.
A subsequent pat-down quickly revealed something suspicious concealed in the passenger’s groin area. When confronted by security, the traveler reached into his pants and revealed the surprise passenger—a live turtle carefully wrapped in a small blue towel.
“Port Authority Police questioned the man, took possession of the turtle and indicated that they would contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control officials. The man missed his flight and was escorted out of the checkpoint by police.”
The man told the officials it was a red-eared slider, a species well-known as a popular pet and one of the most invasive species in the world because owners often release them into the wild. Native to the Mississippi River region, according to the National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC), these turtles, recognizable by the distinctive red stripe behind their eyes, typically measure five and eleven inches in length and weigh up to two pounds.
They can live for two to three decades and dwell in freshwater ponds, lakes, creeks, and streams. Despite their widespread presence and invasive nature, red-eared sliders are not considered endangered. According to the NISIC, they have invaded every continent except Antarctica.
“Though small as juveniles, the turtles grow into large adults with complex needs which pet owners may fail to foresee, leading to their unfortunate, and often illegal, release into the wild. The turtle can then wreak havoc on an ecosystem by spreading diseases to native wildlife.”
Port Authority Police promptly confiscated the turtle and communicated they would ensure its proper care. TSA Federal Security Director for New Jersey, Thomas Carter, reassured the public that the turtle appeared unharmed following its unusual journey.
“I commend our officer who conducted the pat-down in a very professional manner in an effort to resolve the alarm. 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 traveler missed his flight and was escorted away by police, though authorities have not yet announced whether he will face any criminal charges.
This isn’t the first instance of passengers attempting to smuggle animals onboard flights. In 2023, officials at Miami International Airport intercepted smuggled Amazon parrot eggs and live birds that had just hatched, hidden in a duffel bag, after hearing chirping sounds.
According to CBS News, in 2024, TSA agents stopped someone from boarding with a bag full of snakes. Shortly after, the TSA posted about the incident on its Instagram page.
“There’s nothing ssssssensational about choosing to hide danger noodles in the pants you’re wearing. You could say, our officers at Miami International Airport weren’t enthused with this adder-ition to the screening process. We’d never want you to scale back on your asp-irations of traveling with pets, but would like to slither in this small bite of information. Never attempt to play hide a pet in your luggage, or on your person, and always rattle out an answer with your airline about what kind of pets they’ll allow.”
Moumita Basuroychowdhury is a Contributing Reporter at The National Digest. After earning an economics degree at Cornell University, she moved to NYC to pursue her MFA in creative writing. She enjoys reporting on science, business and culture news. You can reach her at moumita.b@thenationaldigest.com.
