Airport security reached a new level of shell-shock last Friday when a traveler's attempt to sneak a turtle through Newark Airport was stopped by Transportation Security Administration agents.

After a pat down, the man reached into the front of his pants and pulled out a live turtle, which was wrapped in a blue towel, according to the TSA. The agency said the man identified the turtle as a red-eared slider, which WildlifeNYC describes as an invasive turtle species and one of the most common turtles found in New York City.