Arkansas High School Football Player Escapes Venomous Snake in Helmet
Student’s Helmet Reveals Deadly Cottonmouth After Practice
A Maumelle High School football player in Arkansas narrowly avoided a life-threatening encounter when a two-foot cottonmouth snake was discovered inside his helmet during practice on August 6. According to KARK News, the student felt unusual movement while warming up and later showed the helmet to athletic director Kirk Horton, who described the scene as “shock and disbelief.” The snake, initially mistaken for a copperhead, was later identified by Maumelle Animal Services as a cottonmouth—the second-deadliest snake in Arkansas, according to WHSV3.
Snake’s Unusual Habitat and Removal Process
The cottonmouth had nested in the helmet’s padding, making removal challenging. Maumelle Animal Services director Chris Davis told WHSV3 that the snake was difficult to remove. CBS News reported that police officers had to pour water into the helmet to force the snake out. Davis, who has handled snakes in cars, engines, and backpacks, called the incident “unreal” and noted it was the first time he’d removed a snake from a helmet. “You had to kind of be there and take pictures to say this was real,” he said.
Safety Reminder From Local Animal Shelter
The Maumelle Animal Shelter used the incident to issue a public warning. In a Facebook post, the shelter emphasized that “snakes and other critters can find their way into dark, enclosed spaces—especially helmets, shoes, bags, boxes, and other items that are left outside or sitting undisturbed.” The post urged readers to “give it a quick check first” before using outdoor gear. The student, who finished practice with a replacement helmet, was not injured, but the incident highlights the risks of hidden wildlife in everyday objects.
Comparative Risk: Cottonmouths vs. Rattlesnakes in Arkansas
Cottonmouths are the second deadliest snake in Arkansas behind the rattlesnake.
Pro Tips for Preventing Wildlife Encounters
The Maumelle Animal Shelter’s advice is to give outdoor gear a quick check before putting on helmets, shoes, gloves, or any other gear.
FAQ: What You Need to Know
What type of snake was in the helmet?
How did the snake get inside the helmet?
Authorities have not confirmed the exact entry point, but the shelter noted that snakes often seek dark, enclosed spaces.
What should people do if they find a snake in their gear?
The Maumelle Animal Shelter emphasized that “it only takes a few seconds” to check gear before use.
Did You Know?
Cottonmouths were initially mistaken for copperheads in this incident.
KARK News and CBS News provided additional details on the incident.
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