In a remote offshore region of Brazil lies an island inhabited by venomous snakes. The snake island is known as Ilha da Queimada Grande. Its location can be found approximately 145 km from the city of São Paulo. Access to the island is almost entirely restricted to the public.
Explore the reasons why access to this Snake Island in Brazil is prohibited to the public below.
Reasons Why Brazil's Snake Island is Forbidden to the Public
Reported by IFL Science on Friday (8/3/2024), Ilha da Queimada Grande is controlled by the Brazilian Navy. They determine who is allowed to be on the island. This is done for their own safety as well as for the safety of the snakes inhabiting it.
Only a few scientists and Navy officials are granted access to this island. However, the island is essentially owned by the snakes.
Here are some reasons why this island is forbidden to be visited by the general public.
Inhabited by Deadly Venomous Snakes
The population of snakes on Ilha da Queimada Grande is reported to be as high as five snakes per square meter (m2).
Among the snakes inhabiting this place is the golden lancehead snake (Bothrops insularis), a venomous snake that can grow to over half a meter in length.
It is known that these snakes react very quickly. The lack of movement of the golden lancehead snake is compensated by the potential lethality of its venom. The venom is potent enough to kill birds and can even melt human flesh almost instantly.
Avoidance of Wild Snake Hunters
As mentioned earlier, the Navy also restricts human access to this island for the sake of the snakes.
Humans are also one of the reasons. Why? The deadly venom of the golden lancehead snake is indeed very attractive to scientists. Thus, it is no wonder that this snake species is sought after by animal collectors.
Usually, wild hunters will capture and sell their products, these snakes, through the black market. With all individuals known to be confined to Snake Island, it is not difficult to track them down if anyone is willing to take the risk of traveling there.
On the island, a lighthouse is also visible, which is a remnant building from some people who once lived on Snake Island. The lighthouse was inhabited by a lighthouse keeper and his family between the 1909s and the 1920s.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, unfortunately, their story ended badly. Yup, as you guessed! They were all killed by the snakes, which slithered in through the windows.
The snakes on this island are capable of injecting humans with a neurotoxin strong enough to disable kidneys and melt flesh.
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Of course, on Snake Island, you don't have the choice of not being bitten by a snake.
