An Arkansas high school football player got a terrifying surprise during practice last week when he discovered a venomous cottonmouth snake hiding inside his helmet. The roughly two-foot-long snake had found its way underneath the helmet’s padding, remaining hidden while the student wore the helmet for nearly an hour.

The incident happened on Thursday, August 6, at Maumelle High School. According to local news station KARK, the player noticed “unusual movement” inside his helmet and brought it to a defensive coach for inspection after warmups.

Coaches were stunned when they discovered the snake trapped inside. “It really was just shock and disbelief,” Maumelle High School Athletic Director Kirk Horton told KARK. “I’ve got a better shot at winning the lottery than seeing this in my ten years.”

Maumelle Animal Services was called to remove the snake. Officials initially received a report that it was a copperhead, but Animal Services Director Chris Davis later confirmed it was a cottonmouth.

The snake was placed into a tote bag and safely relocated to a nearby area. Davis said the student was fortunate that the snake did not bite him.

Maumelle Animal Services later issued a warning reminding people to check outdoor gear before using it, noting that snakes and other creatures can find their way into dark, enclosed spaces such as helmets, shoes, bags and boxes.

“Before putting on your helmet, shoes, gloves, or any outdoor gear, always give it a quick check first,” the Maumelle Animal Shelter said in a Facebook post.

Following the incident, the football team said it would conduct more thorough checks of helmets before players wear them.