A Florida woman going through security at Miami International Airport set off alarm bells after TSA agents spotted something unusual during a routine screening. The traveler, who has not been publicly identified, had tried to hide a couple of unexpected items in her bra. Something very much not on the approved carry-on list.
When agents took a closer look, they found two small turtles wrapped in gauze and plastic, stashed under her clothing. While the attempt may sound bizarre, it ended in heartbreak. One of the turtles sadly died during the smuggling attempt, likely due to the conditions it was subjected to, according to the New York Post. Needless to say the comment section was blowing up with snarky and humorous comments from readers.
“That’s a sure-fire way to lose a nipple,” one commenter writes.
“A bra is the very first place we look,” adds another. “No weird places? Then where ARE we supposed to hide them?”
The second turtle survived and was turned over to the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife for proper care.TSA issued a reminder to travelers: pets are allowed through security. But not like this. Hiding them in clothing not only breaks the rules, but it also puts their safety at serious risk.
Pattern of Pet Smuggling at Airports
Shockingly, this isn’t the first time TSA has had to deal with a smuggled turtle. Back in March, a man in Pennsylvania was caught at airport security trying to sneak a live turtle onto a plane. By hiding it in his pants, ABC News reports. When questioned, he pulled the reptile out of the front of his trousers. It had been wrapped in a small towel.
These strange incidents have prompted TSA to issue a clear plea to travelers: stop hiding animals in your clothing.TSA continues to remind passengers that small pets are allowed through airport checkpoints. But they must be properly handled and carried, not stuffed into undergarments or pants.
Despite the repeated warnings, it seems not everyone’s getting the message. And while security officers are no strangers to unusual discoveries. This trend of in-flight animal smuggling is more than just strange. It’s dangerous.
The takeaway? If you’re flying with pets, do it the right way. It’s safer for everyone, especially the animals.
Hunter Spears 
