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About 20 miles from the bustling city of São Paulo sits Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island.

From a distance, it looks like any other tropical paradise—lush trees, rocky cliffs, and waves lapping gently at the shore. But step closer, and you’ll find a chilling reason why this island is completely off-limits to the public: it’s crawling with thousands of venomous snakes.

A Forbidden Island

Snake Island is home to the golden lancehead pit viper (Bothrops insularis), a species found nowhere else on Earth.

Estimates suggest there may be one to five snakes per square meter in some areas—making it one of the most densely populated snake habitats in the world.

The lancehead’s venom is fast-acting and potentially deadly, capable of melting human flesh. For that reason, Brazil’s navy strictly controls access, and only a few scientists (with special permission) are allowed to land.

Why So Many Snakes?

Thousands of years ago, rising sea levels separated the island from mainland Brazil. The snakes that were trapped evolved with no natural predators—and no large prey.

To survive, the golden lanceheads adapted to hunt birds, evolving extra-potent venom to quickly immobilize them before they flew away.

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Legends, Myths, and Warnings

Local legends tell of lighthouse keepers who once lived on the island—until they and their families were killed by snakes slipping through open windows.

Whether true or not, the stories helped fuel Snake Island’s eerie reputation. Today, the abandoned lighthouse still stands, and scientists approach with extreme caution.

A Critical Species in Peril

Ironically, the very snakes that make the island so terrifying are also endangered.

Habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking threaten their population, despite the island’s strict protections.

Scientists study them not just for conservation, but also because their venom holds potential for medical breakthroughs.

Ilha da Queimada Grande remains closed to tourists, thrill-seekers, and even most locals.

But it’s a vivid reminder that nature can be both astonishing and terrifying—and that some places are best admired from a safe distance.

Until next time,

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