A man attempting to go through security at Newark Liberty International Airport was stopped after being discovered with a live turtle concealed in his pants, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported.
The turtle appeared to be unharmed and it was not known why the man was trying to take the live reptile on the flight.
The TSA’s body scanner triggered an alarm in the area of the man’s groin and an officer administered a pat-down and determined that there was something concealed. The East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania man reached down the front of his pants and pulled out a live turtle that was wrapped in a small blue towel. The turtle was estimated to be about 5-inches in length.
The man told officials that it was a red-ear slider turtle. Port Authority Police then 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.
It was not known why the man was carrying live turtle.
“I commend our officer who conducted the pat-down in a very professional manner in an effort to resolve the alarm,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for 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. As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions,” Carter added.
Is it Against the Law to Travel With a Turtle?
There is largely no commercial airline in the U.S. allowing reptiles (including turtles) on board. Here are some alternatives if you are traveling with a turtle or other reptile:
◾Air Cargo: Some airlines offer air cargo services for animals, but arrangements need to be made well in advance.
◾Shipping Services: UPS or FedEx has policies for live animals, but it’s important to know the small print.
◾Alternative Transportation: If possible, consider traveling by car or train instead of flying, which might be a more comfortable and less stressful option for any reptile including a turtle.
How to Travel With a Turtle
It’s actually a huge issue to travel with a turtle or any reptile, especially by air. Airlines don’t take reptiles in the cabin, nor do they take them as checked pets. Most reptiles can’t even get on board an airplane as checked baggage; they have to fly on a cargo flight.
Trying to sneak a turtle on your person through TSA security is not only illegal, but also quite difficult and risky, reference the Pennsylvania man above apprehended at Newark Airport. There are few options for travelers with reptiles except driving. Of course, if the turtle or other reptile is an emotional support animal (ESA), that could change every conversation. However, some airlines have specific policies that prohibit reptiles and other animals from being brought on board as ESAs .
Emotional Support Animals
Airlines are no longer required to allow emotional support animals (ESAs) on flights for free, treating them as pets instead. The animals must remain in carriers under the seat during the flight and are charged the pet fee.