Arkansas Football Player Wore Helmet With Venomous Snake Inside For an Hour

A high school football player in Arkansas had a frightening escape after discovering a venomous snake inside his helmet following an hour-long practice session. The incident occurred last week at Maumelle High School, where the student had been wearing the headgear during warm-ups and practice before noticing unusual movement inside it. The snake, which was around two feet long, had reportedly remained hidden beneath the helmet’s padding.

The player eventually became suspicious and took the helmet to an assistant coach for inspection. School staff were stunned when they discovered the snake inside the equipment. Maumelle High School Athletic Director Kirk Horton described the discovery as a moment of “shock and disbelief”, adding that in his decade at the school, he had never encountered anything similar.

Maumelle Animal Services was called to the school after staff discovered the snake. The animal services team initially received information that the creature could be a copperhead. However, after reaching the school and examining the snake, officials identified it as a cottonmouth, a venomous species also known as the water moccasin.

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The discovery was particularly alarming because the student had reportedly worn the helmet for at least an hour without being bitten. Chris Davis, director of Maumelle Animal Services, said the length of time the student had spent wearing the helmet was the most surprising aspect of the incident. The snake was eventually removed safely from the helmet by animal services personnel.

After handling the snake, animal services technicians transported it away from the school and released it in a wooded area. The football player was able to use a different helmet and continued with practice. The incident did not result in a reported snakebite, making the encounter a fortunate escape despite the potential danger posed by the venomous reptile.

Following the incident, the school’s head coach reminded players to inspect their sporting equipment before using it. Officials also advised people to check outdoor gear such as helmets, shoes and gloves before putting them on, particularly in areas where snakes may be present. Cottonmouths are among the venomous snakes found in Arkansas, making the discovery a reminder of the potential risks associated with leaving equipment unattended outdoors.

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