A high school football player in Maumelle, Arkansas, made a shocking discovery during practice when he found a venomous snake, later identified as a cottonmouth, hiding inside his helmet.

Snake Removal

Maumelle Animal Services responded to the incident and had to flood the helmet with water to safely remove the snake. The snake was then relocated.

According to Chris Davis, director of Maumelle Animal Services, the snake likely sought shelter in the helmet because cottonmouths prefer dark, protected spaces. Davis emphasized that the player was fortunate not to have been bitten, given the potential danger posed by the snake.

There are six types of venomous snakes in Arkansas, with the cottonmouth being one of them. The cottonmouth is known for its heavy-bodied appearance, dark olive-brown to black color, and indistinct dark crossbands.

Snake Safety

Rebecca McPeake, a professor of wildlife extension at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, advises people to keep a safe distance from snakes and avoid provoking them. If a snake is encountered, it is best to leave it alone or use gentle methods to move it, such as a stick, to avoid being bitten.

In the event of a snake bite, McPeake recommends seeking immediate medical attention, especially for children, who may be more vulnerable to allergic reactions due to their smaller body size.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.