Overview
- A Maumelle High football player noticed movement in his helmet during practice and a coach discovered a roughly two-foot snake tucked behind the padding.
- Animal control officers removed the reptile by submerging the helmet in water to encourage it out and then using tongs to extract the viper.
- Technicians identified the snake as a venomous cottonmouth and then released it into nearby woods; the student was not bitten and finished practice with a different helmet.
- School leaders and coaches inspected lockers and equipment after the incident and instructed players to check helmets and gear before use to reduce similar risks.
- Officials noted cottonmouths seek dark, enclosed spots to rest or digest food, which helps explain why helmets left on the ground or in lockers can attract snakes and create hidden hazards.