Key Facts

• TSA found the snakes during a routine inspection of a checked bag.
• X-ray images showed what appeared to be a rope; officers found two live snakes concealed in a pillowcase.
• TSA paused screening in the immediate area while officers assessed the safety risk.
• Airport police took possession of the bag and brought it to the airline ticketing area.
• The passenger removed the snakes and gave them to a family member who was not traveling.
• TSA rescreened the bag after the snakes were removed and cleared the passenger for travel.
• The passenger said the snakes were pets and that he had traveled with them on another airline.