Houston airport Customs and Border Protection officers have caught a stowaway on a flight arriving from Costa Rica – a baby squirrel.
The critter was spotted by flight crew after passengers had departed the plane at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the CBP said in a statement.
A CBP agricultural specialist was called in who "caged the squirrel without incident."
"During the course of performing our mission, we may encounter unusual opportunities to aid in the capture of seemingly harmless animals that have hitchhiked into the country," said Port Director Charles Perez.
"While there is a cute factor here, realistically, we understand that animals must be handled carefully."
The furry stowaway was quarantined and then turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
USFWS is the agency responsible for enforcing the Endangered Species Act.
