TSA officers found a live turtle hidden in a Pennsylvania traveler’s pants at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 7, 2025, after a body scanner alarm and pat-down. Port Authority police questioned the traveler and took possession of the turtle; he missed his flight. The public account does not establish why the turtle was concealed or what ultimately happened to it.
How TSA found the turtle
TSA said the traveler, who was from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, passed through a body scanner that alarmed near his groin. During a pat-down, a TSA officer found something concealed there. The traveler then reached into the front of his pants and removed a live turtle wrapped in a small blue towel.
TSA described the turtle as about five inches long. The traveler told officials it was a red-eared slider; the report does not describe an independent identification.
What happened next?
Port Authority police questioned the traveler and took possession of the turtle. The report said police indicated they would contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal-control officials. The traveler missed his flight and was escorted away from the checkpoint.
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TSA Federal Security Director for New Jersey Thomas Carter said the turtle appeared unharmed to officers. The report does not establish what ultimately happened to the animal.
What is not known
The public account does not name the traveler or establish why he concealed the turtle, whether it belonged to him, or whether he intended to transport it as a pet. It also does not confirm a charge, citation, fine, or prosecution. The stated intention to contact wildlife and animal-control officials does not establish that a referral occurred or what followed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did TSA find the turtle at Newark airport?
TSA placed the incident at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday, March 7, 2025.
What kind of turtle was it?
The traveler told officials it was a red-eared slider. The report does not say that a wildlife agency independently confirmed the species.
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Was the traveler charged with a crime?
The public account does not confirm any charge, citation, fine, or prosecution.
What happened to the turtle?
Port Authority police took possession of the turtle. The report does not establish its eventual disposition.
Quick Recap
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