Snake Island Boasts Nearly One Snake per Square Meter

Snake Island, or Ilha da Queimada Grande, ranks among the most captivating yet hazardous locations on Earth. Nestled off Brazil’s shoreline, this island hosts some of the world’s most lethal snakes.

The island’s seclusion and distinctive ecosystem have fostered the evolution of a snake species found nowhere else on the globe.

The allure and dread of Snake Island stem from the overwhelming number of snakes inhabiting it. With no natural predators to control their numbers, these serpents have become the island’s apex species, rendering it so perilous that Brazil has banned unauthorized visits.

Where Is Snake Island?

Situated roughly 90 miles (144.8 kilometers) from São Paulo, Brazil, Snake Island spans a mere 110 acres (44.5 hectares). Despite its small size, it is renowned as one of the planet’s most hazardous locations, owing to its dense population of venomous snakes.

The island’s seclusion from mainland Brazil has enabled its snake population to flourish without natural threats. With an estimated one snake per square meter (1 square meter = 10.8 square feet), the island is essentially a serpent-filled haven.

Home of the Golden Lancehead

The golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis), a pit viper exclusive to Snake Island, is its most notorious inhabitant. Recognized as one of the world’s most venomous snakes, its potent venom can trigger severe effects, such as blood clots and internal bleeding.

Besides the golden lancehead, the island hosts other snake species, though none are as lethal or abundant as the lanceheads.

The venom of this snake is extraordinarily powerful, capable of causing death within hours if left untreated. The golden lancehead’s venom is five times more potent than that of its mainland counterparts and is uniquely designed to hunt birds, its main food source.

Is Snake Island Dangerous?

Indeed, Snake Island is extremely hazardous due to its dense population of venomous snakes.

The golden lancehead, which dominates the island’s snake population, ranks among the world’s most venomous snakes. A single bite can be deadly, and the overwhelming number of snakes makes encounters nearly unavoidable.

Due to its extreme danger, the Brazilian navy enforces strict access controls, permitting only researchers and scientists with special authorization to visit the island.

Why Is It Illegal to Visit Snake Island?

Visiting Snake Island is prohibited mainly for safety concerns. The island is infested with thousands of highly venomous golden lanceheads, making the risk of a fatal snakebite exceptionally high.

Moreover, the golden lancehead is a critically endangered species, and the Brazilian government limits access to safeguard the snakes from poaching and environmental damage.

Does Anyone Live on Snake Island?

Snake Island is uninhabited, as the presence of highly venomous snakes makes it far too perilous for human settlement.

The sole structure on the island is an automated lighthouse, which has operated without manual intervention since the 1920s. The Brazilian navy conducts rare, tightly controlled visits for maintenance, while researchers also access the island under strict safety measures.

The island’s remote location and its population of one of the world’s most venomous snake species render it completely unsuitable for human habitation.