A MAN has attempted to smuggle his "beloved" pet turtle through airport security by hiding it in a KFC burger.

On Monday, a man known only as Mr Li was flying from China's Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the capital Beijing, the South China Morning Post reported citing the Guangzhou Daily.

As Mr Li's bag was passed through an X-ray machine, airport security officers noticed what were described as "odd protrusions" coming out of the burger which Li had packed in his bag.

"There’s no turtle in there, just a hamburger," Mr Li said, according to the report. "There’s nothing special to see inside."

The turtle was discovered in a subsequent inspection and Mr Li said he had only hatched the odd plan as he wanted to travel with his "beloved" turtle.

Despite his affection for the animal, Mr Li agreed to leave his pet with a friend while he was away in Beijing.

