Man Tries to Board Flight with Snakes in His Pants at Miami Airport
The snakes were discovered by Transportation Security Administration officials on Friday, April 26
TSA Gulf/X
Snakes found in luggage at Miami International AirportA plane flying out of Miami International Airport almost had a group of slithery travelers onboard.
Transportation Security Administration officials announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a bag of snakes was found hidden in a passenger's pants at a checkpoint on Friday, April 26.
The passenger, identified as a man by WBBH-TV, hid the snakes in a small green camo bag. TSA officials gave a glimpse of the bag through three different photos included in the post.
One of the photos showed two pink snakes crawling around the exterior of the bag with white packaging material around them.
Officers at @iflymia detected this bag of snakes hidden in a passenger’s pants at a checkpoint on Fri, April 26. @TSA called our @CBPSoutheast and Miami-Dade Police partners in to assist, and the snakes were turned over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. pic.twitter.com/CggJob8IT8
— TSA_Gulf (@TSA_Gulf) April 30, 2024
Related: The Pet Travel Policies for North America's Top Airlines: Which Pets Are Allowed to Fly and How
According to the announcement, officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Miami-Dade Police Department were called to the scene, and the snakes were turned over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
WFTV reported that the passenger was attempting to go on an international flight, and was denied boarding after the snakes were found. PEOPLE has reached out to the Miami-Dade Police Department for comment.
The U.S. Department of Transportation explains on its website that "federal and state governments impose restrictions on transporting live animals. In addition, each airline establishes its own company policy for the proper handling of the animals they transport."
TSA Gulf/X
Bag where snakes were foundRelated: Spring Travel and Pets: 10 Tips for Flying with Furry Friends Courtesy of JFK's The ARK
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises pet owners to purchase flights with fewer connections or layovers, allowing a smoother travel experience.
"Pick departure and arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold. For example, planning a nighttime arrival to a hot destination may be better for your pet," the CDC adds on its website.
In a previous conversation with PEOPLE, Dr. Sarah Nold, an on-staff veterinarian for Trupanion, advised that the safest way to fly with pets is to be "prepared for any situation."
TSA Gulf/X
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"Make sure your carrier is the proper size for your pet and durable. Call the airline to determine if your carrier/pet is approved for riding in the cabin or if they will have to go in cargo," continued Nold. "Keep in mind there may be maximum weight and minimum age requirements for traveling, these are usually enforced for the safety of your pet."
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