Close call: Young football player finds venomous snake inside helmet before practice

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.

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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.

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.

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The slithery creature likely sought refuge from the scorching temperatures, as snakes can die from exposure to sweltering heat.

"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.

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The cottonmouth is one of three venomous water snake subspecies in North America and typically inhabits wetland areas.

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The snake can inflict severe pain and injury with its bite, but it has rarely caused death in humans.