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Venomous snake found inside Arkansas high school football player's helmet
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- A Maumelle High School football player in Arkansas discovered a venomous cottonmouth snake inside his helmet before practice on August 6, prompting a safety scare but no injuries.
- The snake was tightly wound between the helmet padding and exterior, and after being reported, Animal Services safely removed it by flooding it out and relocated it to a nearby forested area.
- Cottonmouth snakes are venomous pit vipers common in Arkansas, known for their distinctive white mouth lining and potentially harmful bites that require prompt medical treatment, though fatalities are rare.
- Coaches have traditionally advised players to check helmets for bugs, but this incident has heightened awareness about inspecting gear for snakes and other critters before use.
- The Maumelle Animal Shelter urged the community to always check helmets, clothing, and outdoor gear to avoid dangerous encounters with hidden wildlife.
