Close call: Young football player finds venomous snake inside helmet before practice
Images show the deadly snake wedged between the protective padding within the helmet, blending in fairly well.
Watch: Venomous snake hides inside a football helmet in Arkansas
UNWELCOME SURPRISE: A high school football player was spooked to see a venomous snake hiding inside his helmet before practice last week in Arkansas.
MAUMELLE, Ark. – A high school football player in Arkansas was met with a dangerous surprise before practice when he found a venomous snake inside his helmet.
As the days of August pass, thousands of high schools across the U.S. begin summer football camp in preparation for the regular season ahead.
VENOMOUS SNAKE FOUND INSIDE BOX OF BANANAS AT NEW HAMPSHIRE GROCERY STORE
This is a time when sweltering heat and playing with full pads are the main concerns for players and staff, but nobody would think to add venomous snakes to the list for football practice.
Venomous snake found inside a football helmet in Arkansas.
(Maumelle Animal Shelter / Facebook)
Before practice last Thursday, members of the Maumelle Animal Shelter were called to Maumelle High School about a cottonmouth snake reportedly hiding inside a student's helmet.
Images shared by the organization show the deadly snake wedged between the protective padding within the helmet, blending in fairly well.
WOMAN REPORTEDLY LOSES ARM AFTER ALLIGATOR ATTACK WHILE SWIMMING IN FLORIDA RIVER
The slithery creature likely sought refuge from the scorching temperatures, as snakes can die from exposure to sweltering heat.
Helmet cleaned out after finding a venomous snake inside.
(Maumelle Animal Shelter / Facebook)
"This is an important reminder that snakes and other critters can find their way into dark, enclosed spaces — especially helmets, shoes, bags, boxes and other items that are left outside or sitting undisturbed," the animal shelter said.
These snakes are excellent swimmers and carnivorous, feeding on fish, amphibians, birds, eggs, rodents, baby alligators, small turtles and other snakes.
SEE IT: IOWA TARGET CUSTOMERS SHOCKED TO FIND HUGE EXOTIC SNAKE CURLED UP IN SHOPPING CART
(Cole Bierbaum / FOX Weather)
The cottonmouth is one of three venomous water snake subspecies in North America and typically inhabits wetland areas.
HERE ARE THE DEADLIEST ANIMALS IN EVERY US STATE: FROM GRIZZLY BEARS TO UNEXPECTED THREATS
The snake can inflict severe pain and injury with its bite, but it has rarely caused death in humans.