There are many mysterious lands on our Earth, places that humans have never known. There are also many areas in the world that although humans know of their presence, they cannot visit. Ilha da Queimada Grande Island in Brazil is such a place.
This island is located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, about 45 hectares wide and 35 km from the coast of Sao Paulo. The climate on this island is very mild. It also has a variety of vegetation and terrain. Although the scenery of Ilha da Queimada Island is very beautiful, no one dares to visit this land. The reason is that it is also known as Snake Island. Currently, Ilha da Queimada Island is home to hundreds of thousands of venomous snakes.
Brazilians estimate that there are five venomous snakes for every square meter on the island. This makes Ilha da Queimada one of the most dangerous places in the world.
On this island is the golden lancehead viper, the most venomous snake species. (Photo: AZ Animals)
What makes Ilha da Queimada so dangerous is that it is the only place where the golden lancehead viper is found. This snake is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Its venom is so potent that even if the victim receives medical treatment, there is still a 3% chance of death. A golden lancehead bite can kill an adult by causing painful swelling, vomiting, bruising, internal bleeding, kidney failure, brain hemorrhage, and severe skin and flesh melting in just 2 hours.
Ilha da Queimada Island is also home to many different species of snakes, from small, medium-sized snakes to large snakes or venomous snakes. The only food of snakes on Ilha da Queimada Island is birds. To catch them, the snakes here live mainly in trees. In addition, to adapt to harsh living conditions, snake venom is increasingly more toxic to quickly kill migratory birds.
Because there are so many venomous snakes, the island of Ilha da Queimada has been strictly forbidden for residents and tourists to set foot on. (Photo: AZ Animals)
To ensure safety, the Brazilian government has issued a strict rule prohibiting residents and tourists from setting foot on the island. Scientists and explorers must request permission in advance, and a doctor must be present on the trip to handle emergencies. However, some other staff are allowed on the island to maintain the lighthouse.
According to locals, the lighthouse keeper's family were the last to appear on the island since 1920. It is believed that snakes sneaked into the house through the windows and killed the unfortunate family.
A legend still circulates to explain why Ilha da Queimada is home to hundreds of thousands of snakes. It is that pirates wanted to protect buried treasure on the island so they released many poisonous snakes here.
However, experts say the presence of snakes is a result of rising sea levels. About 10,000 years ago, Ilha da Queimada Island was part of the Brazilian mainland, but as the sea level rose, it separated and became the island it is today.
Quoc Thai (Source: Smithsonianmag)
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