A woman was stopped at Miami International Airport in late July 2025 after she tried to sneak two turtles through a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint by hiding them in her bra. The incident, which quickly drew national attention, has led airport and wildlife officials to remind travelers about the correct way to travel with animals and the dangers of smuggling wildlife.
According to TSA officials, the woman wrapped the turtles in gauze and plastic wrap before placing them inside her brassiere. She attempted to pass through security at Miami International Airport, but Transportation Security Administration agents discovered the turtles during screening. Sadly, one of the turtles died, likely due to suffocation or stress from being hidden in such a manner. The surviving turtle was handed over to the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, which is now responsible for its care and possible rehabilitation.
As of July 27, 2025, no criminal charges have been announced against the woman. Authorities are treating the case as a violation of TSA and wildlife transport rules. TSA officials used social media to highlight the event, urging travelers not to hide animals in clothing and to follow the proper procedures for traveling with pets. “Friends, please – and we cannot emphasize this enough – stop hiding animals in weird places on your body and then trying to sneak them through airport security,” the TSA stated publicly.
TSA’s Rules for Traveling with Turtles and Other Pets
TSA allows travelers to bring pets, including turtles, through security checkpoints at airports like Miami International Airport. However, there are clear rules that must be followed:
TSA Guidelines for Traveling with Turtles and Pets
Essential rules and procedures for safe animal transport through airports
- Declare the Animal: Tell TSA agents at the checkpoint if you are traveling with a pet turtle or any other animal.
- Remove from Carrier: Take the turtle out of its carrier and carry it through the metal detector.
- X-ray the Carrier: Place the empty carrier through the X-ray machine.
- No Concealment: Never hide animals in clothing, luggage, or on your body. This is against TSA and wildlife rules and can lead to fines or criminal charges.
- Check Airline Policies: Each airline may have its own requirements for traveling with pets, such as approved containers, fees, or paperwork. Always check with your airline before your trip.
The TSA has not changed its pet travel policy in 2025, but the agency has increased public awareness campaigns and enforcement actions after several animal smuggling attempts at major airports, including Miami International Airport and Newark. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these efforts are part of a broader push to protect both animal welfare and public safety.
Why Concealing Animals Is Dangerous
Security experts warn that hiding animals in clothing or luggage puts both the animal and the public at risk. Animals can suffer from stress, injury, or even death when concealed in small, airless spaces. There is also a risk of spreading diseases or invasive species, which can harm local wildlife and ecosystems.
Important
Wildlife conservationists stress that smuggling animals is not only cruel but also illegal. Many animals, including turtles, are protected by state and federal laws. The Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, which took custody of the surviving turtle, works to care for and rehabilitate animals rescued from smuggling attempts.
Impact on Travelers and the Travel Industry
Incidents like this one at Miami International Airport can have wide-reaching effects. Airlines often review their pet travel policies after such events, and the TSA may consider stricter enforcement or even new penalties for animal smuggling. Travel industry analysts note that repeated smuggling attempts could lead to longer wait times at security checkpoints and more detailed inspections for passengers traveling with pets.
For travelers, the most important takeaway is to follow all rules and procedures when bringing animals through airports. This ensures the safety of both the animals and the public, and helps avoid delays, fines, or legal trouble.
Tip
Background: Wildlife Smuggling at U.S. Airports
This is not the first time someone has tried to smuggle animals through a U.S. airport. In March 2025, a man was caught hiding a turtle in his pants at Newark Liberty International Airport. In 2024, officials intercepted a bag of snakes, and in 2023, Miami International Airport staff discovered smuggled Amazon parrot eggs and live birds. These incidents show that wildlife smuggling remains a serious problem, prompting ongoing vigilance by the TSA and wildlife authorities.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies have increased monitoring and penalties for illegal wildlife transport, especially for endangered or invasive species. They work closely with airport security to spot and stop smuggling attempts.
What Should Travelers Do?
If you plan to travel with a turtle or any other pet, follow these steps:
- Check TSA Guidelines: Review the official TSA pet travel guidelines before your trip.
- Contact Your Airline: Ask your airline about their specific rules for pet travel, including container requirements and fees.
- Prepare Properly: Use an approved carrier and make sure your pet is comfortable and safe.
- Declare Your Pet: Tell TSA agents at the checkpoint that you have a pet.
- Never Conceal Animals: Do not hide animals in clothing, bags, or on your body. This is illegal and dangerous.
Note
Looking Ahead: Possible Changes and Ongoing Efforts
While no new policy changes have been announced yet, repeated incidents may lead the TSA and wildlife agencies to consider stricter penalties or enhanced screening for animal smuggling. Public awareness campaigns are expected to continue, with officials working to educate travelers about the legal and humane ways to transport animals.
Travelers can help by staying informed and following all rules. If you have questions about pet travel, contact the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 or visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for more information about wildlife protection.
Conclusion
The recent incident at Miami International Airport serves as a reminder of the importance of following proper procedures when traveling with animals. Concealing turtles or any other pets in clothing is not only against the rules but also puts the animals’ lives at risk. By following TSA and airline guidelines, travelers can ensure a safe and smooth journey for themselves and their pets. If you are unsure about the rules, always check with the TSA or your airline before your trip. This helps protect both animals and people, and keeps travel safe for everyone.
Learn Today
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → U.S. agency that enforces security at airports, including screening passengers and baggage.
Wildlife Smuggling → Illegal transport of protected or wild animals across borders or checkpoints.
Pet Carrier → An approved container used to safely transport pets through airport security and on planes.
Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation → State agency responsible for protecting wildlife and rehabilitating animals in Florida.
Screening Checkpoint → Airport security area where passengers and luggage are inspected for safety compliance.
This Article in a Nutshell
A July 2025 Miami airport incident revealed a woman hiding turtles in her bra. One turtle died, highlighting dangers of illegal animal concealment. TSA enforces pet travel rules to protect animals and passengers, urging proper declarations and carriers to prevent smuggling and ensure safe air travel.
— By VisaVerge.com
