An Arkansas high school football player made a startling discovery during practice last week. For nearly an hour, the player wore a helmet with a venomous snake hidden under its padding.
The two-foot-long cottonmouth snake was found inside the helmet at Maumelle High School. Athletic Director Kirk Horton expressed his disbelief after learning about the incident. Horton told NBC affiliate KARK in Little Rock, “It really was just shock and disbelief. I’ve got a better shot at winning the lottery than seeing this in my ten years.”
The Maumelle Animal Services quickly responded to the situation. They carefully retrieved the snake and relocated it to a nearby river. Initially, there was confusion about the type of snake, as it was mistakenly reported to be a copperhead. Animal Services Director Chris Davis confirmed to NBC News that it was actually a cottonmouth.
Following the incident, Maumelle Animal Services shared a precautionary message on Facebook. They advised individuals to check their helmets, shoes, gloves, or any outdoor gear before use to avoid potential encounters with unwanted wildlife. This quick check could prevent a dangerous situation.
The cottonmouth snake, known for preferring dark and enclosed spaces, is recognized as the second most venomous snake in Arkansas.
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