Okay, here’s a strange one. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration launched a press release this week sharing a weird turn of events during a routine airport security check. TSA staff at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey scanned a Pennsylvania man flying out on Friday, March 7. 

The scanner’s alarm tripped, highlighting something in the traveler’s, er, nethers. TSA pulled him aside.

A staff member initiated a pat-down of the passenger’s groin. It seemed clear the man had something down his pants that he didn’t want TSA to see.

After questioning the object’s presence, the East Stroudsburg, PA resident reached into his trousers.

The guy pulls out a live, five-inch-long red-ear slider turtle.

Because it was a live animal, Port Authority Police asked more questions and ultimately confiscated the turtle. According to the press release, authorities said they’d report the critter and its unusual transport method to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control.

In the U.S., people commonly keep red-ear slider turtles as pets. They live upwards of 20 years, making long-term care a challenge for many owners. Red-ear slider turtles require a clean, ample, and natural living space. They’re also known to be quick to bite if they feel unsafe. At least the PA man thought to wrap the turtle in a small blue towel before storing it near his jewels.

All jokes aside, folks, don’t join the TSA line with hidden animals on your “person.”