A high school football player in Maumelle, Arkansas, discovered a 2-foot-long cottonmouth snake coiled inside his helmet last week. According to Maumelle Animal Services, the student had been wearing the gear for roughly an hour before noticing movement. No injuries were reported, and the snake was later removed and released into a wooded area by animal control officers.
Incident Details at Maumelle High School
The discovery occurred on Thursday, Aug. 6, during preparations for football practice. According to Nick Farr, executive principal of Maumelle High School, the student felt movement against his head, removed the helmet, and alerted his defensive coordinator. Athletic Director Kirk Horton was notified, and the student was evaluated to ensure he was in good condition.
The snake had wedged itself tightly between the helmet’s padding and the outer shell. To secure the area, Horton placed the helmet inside a plastic tote and sealed it until officials from Maumelle Animal Services arrived, as reported by USA TODAY. Chris Davis, the director of animal services, confirmed that his team, including four officers and a veterinarian, responded to the scene.
Did you know?
Cottonmouth snakes, also known as water moccasins, get their name from the white or pinkish oral lining they reveal when threatened. They are pit vipers native to the Deep South and prefer freshwater habitats like swamps and slow-moving streams.
Removal Process and Snake Identification
While the snake was initially reported to be a copperhead, animal control officers identified it as a cottonmouth upon closer inspection. The removal process required an unconventional approach because standard handling tools were ineffective due to the snake’s position within the helmet.
According to Davis, the team submerged the helmet in a container of water. As the snake surfaced to breathe, the officers were able to safely extract it. The animal was later released into a forested area near the Arkansas River. Amy Eoff, a lead animal control officer, noted that while the snake appeared to be a juvenile or early adult, it remained “fierce” throughout the process.
Safety Protocols for Athletic Equipment
Following the event, school officials emphasized the importance of inspecting sports gear stored in outdoor or non-climate-controlled environments. Athletic Director Kirk Horton noted that while coaches have historically reminded players to check helmets for insects, this incident has changed the focus of those warnings.
“Coaches have always said ‘Check your helmets,’ but that is usually for bugs,” Horton told USA TODAY. “This will put much more emphasis on that statement.” Animal services officials echoed this sentiment, advising the public to be cautious with items left outside, as snakes often seek out dark, enclosed spaces for shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Was the student bitten? No. According to school officials, the student was evaluated after the incident and remained in good condition.
- How long was the snake inside the helmet? Reported estimates suggest the student had been wearing the helmet for about an hour before he noticed the snake.
- Are cottonmouth snakes dangerous? Yes. According to the University of Georgia, cottonmouths are venomous pit vipers. A bite can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage, requiring prompt medical attention.
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