In this photo provided by Maumelle Animal Services, a snake is seen in a helmet at Maumelle High School in at Maumelle, Ar., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (Maumelle Animal Services via AP)
High school football player in Arkansas practices with a venomous snake in his helmet
Aug 12, 2026 | 9:16 AM
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MAUMELLE, Ark. (AP) — A high school football player in Arkansas had every right to be rattled after finding a venomous snake inside his helmet during practice.
The Maumelle High student felt unusual movement inside his headgear following warmups last week and brought his helmet to an assistant coach for inspection. A slithering 2-foot cottonmouth was discovered behind some padding.
The pit viper was so reluctant to exit the helmet that animal control officers had to submerge the helmet in water and forced the snake out, grabbing it with tongs. Animal services technicians identified the snake as a deadly cottonmouth. It was released in a wooded area.
Cottonmouths are the second-most venomous snakes found in Arkansas.
