A 20-pound lobster was discovered in checked baggage at Boston's Logan International Airport over the weekend, but officials assured that there was no "claws" for alarm.
The hefty lobster was found in a cooler that was being checked for a flight, according to the Boston Globe. Transportation Security Administration spokesman Michael McCarthy added, however, that in the Northeast region, lobster transports are not that unusual, even though the 20-pounder raised eyebrows.
"I cannot speak to any airline policies, but TSA has no prohibition on transporting lobsters," McCarthy told the Globe. "It's actually fairly common in the New England region.
"It's certainly the largest lobster I have ever seen. And I'd be surprised if we've ever screened a larger lobster," McCarthy continued.
A photo of the lobster with a TSA officer has been retweeted more than 1,000 times.
"The lobster was screened and allowed to continue on its way," McCarthy told National Public Radio.
There is a procedure for airline passengers transporting live lobsters posted by the TSA, adding that the crustacean can be approved for travel in a checked bag.
"A live lobster is allowed through security and must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill proof container," the TSA live lobster guidelines said. "A TSA officer will visually inspect your lobster at the checkpoint. We recommend that you contact your airline to determine your airline's policy on traveling with your lobster before arriving at the airport."
Responses on social media ranged from comments about the size of the lobster to privacy concerns.
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