A passenger from **Florida** was intercepted on **July 24th** at **Miami International Airport** while trying to pass through a security checkpoint of the **Transportation Security Administration (TSA)** with **two turtles hidden in her underwear**, as confirmed by official sources to **CBS News**.
The images released by the TSA on social media show the reptiles wrapped in **gauze and plastic** inside the traveler’s bra. The woman’s identity was not revealed, nor was the **species of the animals** involved specified. One of the specimens died after being removed, while the survivor was handed over to the **Florida Fish and Wildlife Department**.
## **TSA reinforces warnings about illegal transportation of pets**
Following the incident, the **TSA** publicly reiterated its recommendation to passengers:
“Friends, please, and we cannot emphasize this enough, stop hiding animals in strange places of your body and trying to pass them through airport security.”
According to **official regulations**, it is allowed to **transport pets** —including turtles— through **security checkpoints**, as long as they are **presented in plain sight** and not hidden. The **transport containers must go through the scanner**, while owners must carry their animals in their arms during the inspection. In addition, each airline has **additional requirements** regarding vaccines, documentation, and container conditions.
## **Repeated cases of animal smuggling in U.S. terminals**
This incident is not isolated. The **TSA** has recorded multiple similar attempts in recent months. In **March**, at **Newark Liberty International Airport**, a man tried to smuggle in an **invasive turtle hidden in his pants**. The reptile was rescued unharmed.
In another recent episode, an attempt to board with **a bag full of live snakes** was thwarted, and the previous year, **Amazon parrot eggs and live birds** were seized at **Miami Airport**, coming from **Nicaragua** in transit to **Taiwan**. The culprit was arrested and pleaded **guilty to wildlife smuggling**.
## **Legal and health repercussions of improper transportation**
According to the **TSA**, attempting to pass hidden animals can result in **administrative penalties, seizure of the specimen, and possible criminal charges**, especially when dealing with **protected or endangered species**. Irregular practices also **affect animal health**, and can pose a risk to the rest of the passengers.
Authorities reinforce the call to **consult the current regulations** on pet transportation, both at **security checkpoints** and the requirements of **each airline**. Surveillance will be intensified at all terminals to **detect and stop illegal wildlife trafficking**.
