An Arkansas high school football player discovered a venomous snake in the helmet he was wearing during practice for almost an hour last week.
The 2-foot-long snake had found its way under the padding of the helmet Thursday, staying hidden until the student noticed an unusual movement in the headpiece.
Maumelle High School Athletic Director Kirk Horton told NBC affiliate KARK of Little Rock that his athletic staff was stunned when one of its players brought in his helmet for inspection after warmups, having found a cottonmouth snake trapped inside.
“It really was just shock and disbelief,” Horton said. “I’ve got a better shot at winning the lottery than seeing this in my 10 years.”
Maumelle Animal Services arrived to retrieve the venomous snake, placing it into a tote bag and relocating it to a nearby river.
Animal Services Director Chris Davis told NBC News on Tuesday that officers initially received a report that the snake was a copperhead. But after they arrived, they determined it was actually a cottonmouth.
The Maumelle Animal Shelter wrote on Facebook: “Before putting on your helmet, shoes, gloves, or any outdoor gear, always give it a quick check first. It only takes a few seconds and could prevent a very scary encounter — or worse.”
The cottonmouth snake is the second most venomous snake in Arkansas and tends to prefer dark enclosed spaces.
