TSA Discovers Live Turtle Hidden in Traveler's Pants at Newark Airport

A Pennsylvania man attempting to board a flight was caught concealing a red-eared slider turtle in his pants, prompting authorities to confiscate the animal and investigate.

The incident occurred on March 7 at Newark Liberty International Airport when a body scanner detected an anomaly in the man's groin area.
TSA officials conducted a pat-down, leading the man to retrieve a 5-inch live turtle wrapped in a blue towel from his pants.
The traveler identified the turtle as a red-eared slider, a popular pet species, but did not explain why he was hiding it.
Authorities confiscated the turtle, and the man missed his flight; it remains unclear if he will face any charges.
The TSA noted this was the first time they encountered someone attempting to smuggle a live animal in this manner, and the turtle was unharmed.