One of the world's most dangerous islands is filled with venomous vipers
Next time you’re looking at making travel recommendations, don’t think Snake Island’s name is just a play on words. Almost 93 miles away from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ilha da Queimada Grande — aka Snake Island — lives true to its name.
Untouched by human developers, the “world’s deadliest island” is covered with one of the deadliest snakes on Earth. A biologist who has visited the island twenty times estimates that a visitor would encounter a golden lancehead viper per square meter.
A unique species of pit viper, the golden lancehead accounts for roughly 90 percent of Brazilian snakebite-related fatalities. The venom of a lancehead is so lethal that it can melt human flesh upon contact and kill a human within an hour.
The snakes located on Snake Island feed off the birds that settle onto the lands, helping them grow to well over half a meter long.
To ensure no daredevils attempt to board the island, the Brazilian Navy has expressly forbidden anyone from landing on the island. The cooperation of the Brazilian Navy is needed to reach the island, and any attempt to go through local boat companies is illegal in the eyes of the Brazilian government.
With thousands of snakes on land, it’s definitely not a travel destination to recommend.
Vice visited the island in 2014:
