During a recent practice session with the Maumelle High School football team in Arkansas, a player experienced an unusual discovery when he noticed movement inside his helmet. Upon handing the helmet to a defensive coach, it was revealed that a two-foot-long cottonmouth snake was hidden beneath the padding.
Animal Services were called to the scene. While initially reported as a copperhead, officers identified the snake as a cottonmouth, which is venomous. Athletic Director Kirk Horton described the incident as a moment of "shock and disbelief," stating he had a "better shot at winning the lottery than seeing this in my ten years." The player reportedly did not feel the snake's presence until about an hour into practice, as the reptile was well concealed within the helmet's padding. Animal Services Director Chris Davis noted that while he had previously removed snakes from car vents, engines, purses, and backpacks, he had "never" encountered one inside a football helmet.
The cottonmouth is considered the second most venomous snake found in Arkansas, with the rattlesnake being the most venomous. Animal Services successfully relocated the snake following its discovery. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.