Snake Island (Isla da Queimada Grande) off the coast of Brazil is one of the most dangerous and mysterious places on Earth. Here are seven scary things about the island:
- Home to One of the Deadliest Snakes: Snake Island is infamous for being home to the golden lancehead pit viper (Bothrops asper), a highly venomous snake found nowhere else in the world. Its venom is so potent that it can cause death within hours if not treated.
- High Snake Density: There is an estimated 1 to 5 snakes per square meter on parts of the island. With thousands of venomous snakes scattered across the land, the chances of encountering one are high.
- Limited Human Access: The Brazilian government has made it illegal for people to visit the island without special permission, mainly due to the dangers posed by the snakes. This makes the island an eerie, almost forbidden place.
- No Safe Place: There are few areas on the island where you can safely avoid the snakes. The dense vegetation and rugged terrain make it difficult to escape an encounter, and the snakes are skilled climbers, so no place is entirely safe.
- The Deadly Snake’s Feeding Habits: The golden lancehead snake preys on migratory birds. These snakes are aggressive and fast-moving, making it extremely dangerous for anyone unlucky enough to find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- Unsettling History: There are stories that the island was once home to a lighthouse keeper and his family, but after the lighthouse was automated, they mysteriously disappeared. This, along with the island’s inaccessibility, has contributed to its eerie and ominous reputation.
- No Natural Predators: On Snake Island, the golden lancehead pit viper has no natural predators, which has led to its population explosion. Without any checks on their numbers, the snakes thrive in an environment that is increasingly dangerous to humans.
The combination of venomous wildlife, isolation, and a haunting past makes Snake Island one of the most terrifying places on Earth.