The worst thing most people will get caught carrying at security is a bottle of water , but there are some passengers who attempt to sneak some dangerous and very bizarre items onto planes . The TSA ( Transport Security Administration ) has its own Instagram feed documenting the unusual items it confiscates from airport security checkpoints - and it certainly makes for interesting viewing . From passengers travelling with their beloved eels , to hiding knives in the most unlikely of places , the TSA shares it all with its 238,000 followers . Though potentially harmless , this toy must be checked by explosive detection professionals , the TSA says . Discovered in a carry-on bag at the Eagle County Regional Airport in Colorado , it 's hard to know what this odd-looking creature is . While it might be nothing more than a homourous novelty toy , TSA agents have no way of knowing if the grenade in its hand is actually inert until explosive detection professionals have the chance to examine the item . Grenades , whether inactive or otherwise , are prohibited in any carry-on or checked luggage . Another item to leave out of your hand luggage ? Seal bombs , like those discovered in a passenger 's carry-on bag in Seattle 's Tacoma International Airport . A seal bomb is a small explosive used to frighten seals from fishing areas , but , unfortunately , what this traveller did n't know is that all explosives are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage . Seal bombs , used for fishing , are prohibited from both carry-on and checked luggage . One of the oddest items that MailOnline came across while browsing the TSA Instagram was definitely a medieval mace , which was discovered in a carry-on bag at Chicago 's Midway International Airport . Similarly dangerous , a pair of cat-shaped brass knuckles were seized at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport . While they may look like a key chain at first glance , these feline-inspired weapons can cause serious harm and are banned from bringing on board . One of the strangest confiscated items ? A medieval mace , found at Chicago 's Midway International Airport . These cat-shaped brass knuckles must be checked into the hold in order to be transported . In 2012 , officers seized a bag of live eels , which they found in a passenger 's checked luggage in Miami . Officers received a massive shock when they discovered a bag full of live eels back in 2012 . Found in a passenger 's checked bag at the Miami International Airport , the traveller was attempting to transport 163 marine tropical fish and 22 invertebrates to Maracaibo , Venezuela . However , instead of arguing with security , the passenger , smartly , opted to surrender all items to the U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service . Seven small snakes were also discovered in Miami in 2011 , after being stuffed down a traveller 's trousers in nylon stockings . The snakes were found using TSA 's Advanced Imaging Technology , which allows officers to find threatening items that have been concealed from plain sight . The passenger was later arrested and charged . And yet another animal-based smuggling attempt was made in the form of a knife concealed within a Scooby Doo greeting card , despite the fact that all knives are prohibited from carry-on bags . A Scooby Doo greeting card was used by a crafty passenger to unsuccessfully conceal a knife . Also in Miami in 2011 , a passenger attempted to smuggle seven snakes , in nylon stockings , in their trousers . Swords , though fine to check , can not be brought on board an airplane as a carry-on item . This Jack the Ripper-like sickle was seized from a passenger 's bag because no blades are allowed on board . Throwing stars , which are used in martial arts , are banned in some American states but not others . Interestingly , one item travellers can bring through security : a freshly-baked pie , like this one . From swords and a Jack the Ripper-like sickle to throwing stars , all bladed objects are prohibited from carry-on bags - but that has n't kept many passengers from attempting to transport them through the security checkpoint . But do n't worry , even swords can be taken to your destination in a checked suitcase . Interestingly , however , you are allowed to bring baked goods through security , such as this pecan pie .
Transportation Security Administration posts odd findings to Instagram . Most unusual confiscations include live animals and full-size swords . Along with the images , the TSA also explain why certain items are barred .