A high school American football player in Arkansas got a shock when he felt a wriggle in his helmet during play and discovered a highly venomous cottonmouth snake inside. The teenager, a student at Maumelle High School, did not notice the two-foot snake in his headgear. Incredibly, he was not bitten, and animal services were called to handle the situation.
Warning issued after snake found in helmet
In a Facebook post, Maumelle Animal Services warned others to always check clothes and shoes in areas with many dangerous critters. The post said: "Today, Maumelle Animal Services responded to an unusual situation at Maumelle High School. A student put on his helmet, only to discover that a venomous snake had taken up residence inside!"
The post continued: "Thankfully, everyone is okay, but 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."
Advice for outdoor gear
They added: "Before putting on your helmet, shoes, gloves, or any outdoor gear, always give it a quick check first. It only takes a few seconds and could prevent a very scary encounter—or worse. Stay safe, stay alert, and remember: always check before you put it on."
The discovery comes days after another snake was found under a woman's shed in New Jersey. Leslie Daley spotted a python in her Freehold backyard while watering flowers and called local officials for assistance.
Python found under shed
Exotic animal experts removed the shed's floorboards with a contractor and identified the snake as an 8-foot-long Burmese Python that had crawled through a hole. The reptile was taken to a vet, where an X-ray revealed its last meal was a large possum, according to the Monmouth County SPCA.
The python has been placed in a secure enclosure with an experienced handler while officials find it a long-term home. It is believed the snake, not native to the area, may have been a pet that got out. The SPCA wrote on social media: "Exotic pets do NOT belong in the wild! Releasing them harms local wildlife, domestic pets, and the exotic animal itself."
