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Ranked among the most terrifying places on Earth, Ilha da Queimada Grande in Brazil could plunge you into a life-and-death situation in the blink of an eye.
Listed among the scariest destinations globally, Ilha da Queimada Grande in Brazil not only sends shivers down your spine but also puts you face to face with death in an instant.
Ilha da Queimada Grande is an island located approximately 32km off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. At first glance, this island may seem beautiful, but it's actually a deadly wonder of nature. Almost everyone in Brazil knows about this island, but no one ever dreams of going there. Scientists estimate that there are between 2,000 to 5,000 venomous snakes here, most of which are some of the deadliest species to have ever existed on Earth.
This island rises 206m above sea level, covering an area of 43ha, and is uninhabited. From 1900 to 1920, a few people lived here, but then they all left. According to a local legend, the last person to keep the lighthouse on the island, along with his entire family, died when a snake slithered into their home through the window and fatally bit everyone. Since then, the lighthouse on the island has been automated.
Another legend tells of pirates who brought deadly snakes here to guard their treasure. However, the treasure has never been found because no one dares to venture deep into the island and search for it. Over hundreds of years without human intervention, the snake population here has exploded to dizzying levels.
This island is home to some of the deadliest snakes in the world. Among them is the golden lancehead viper, the most dangerous snake in the world, capable of killing a person in less than an hour. Its venom can cause brain hemorrhage, kidney failure, or even flesh melting. This species is found only on Snake Island in Brazil.
Statistics show that every square meter of this island is inhabited by 5 golden lancehead vipers. Not only that, but they also possess extremely potent venom, five times stronger than mainland snake species. Scientists say that while the venom of the golden lancehead viper is highly toxic, it is also a valuable medicinal substance that, if properly processed, could become a treatment for heart disease, blood clotting disorders, and cancer.
Due to the rarity of the golden lancehead viper, there are still daring individuals who venture onto the island to hunt this highly toxic snake, regardless of the danger. A single golden lancehead viper from Ilha da Queimada Grande typically fetches between $10,000 to $30,000USD and is always a highly coveted item in the black market.
The Brazilian government has proposed numerous development plans for this island, such as turning it into a tourist destination or a banana plantation, but all have been scrapped due to the overwhelming density of snakes.
To this day, despite many unsuccessful efforts, the Brazilian government has declared the island off-limits to humans. Only a few scientists are allowed to set foot on the island for research purposes. However, to access the island, they must be granted permission by the authorities and always accompanied by a doctor.
Posted by: The Pumpkin Thief
Keywords: Hair-raising experience on the deathly island in Brazil where snakes reign supreme
