Sao Paulo,Brazil – Ilha da Queimada Grande, known as Snake Island, is a 106-acre island off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. It holds one of the highest concentrations of venomous snakes in the world, including thousands of critically endangered golden lancehead vipers.
*What you need to know about Snake Island:*
– *Location:* About 33 km off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil.
– *The snakes:* The island is the only natural habitat of the golden lancehead viper. Its venom is five times more potent than mainland relatives and can melt human flesh within hours.
– *Population density:* Estimates range from 2,000 to 4,000 snakes — roughly one snake per square meter in some areas. You’d likely be within striking distance of a viper at all times.
– *Why it’s forbidden:* The Brazilian Navy bans all civilian access due to extreme danger. Only authorized scientists with medical teams are allowed for research.
– *History:* A lighthouse was built in the early 1900s and was once manned by keepers. The last keeper and his family were reportedly killed by snakes entering through windows. The government sealed off the island in 1985.
*Not to be confused with:*
– *Ukraine’s Snake Island:* Zmiinyi Island in the Black Sea, famous during the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian War.
– *Philippines’ Snake Island:* A tourist sandbar in El Nido with no dangerous snake population.
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