Uncover the terrifying secrets of Brazil's forbidden island, where deadly vipers rule and humans dare not tread.
Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, is a lush but lethal paradise off Brazil’s coast, being home to thousands of venomous vipers.
Golden lancehead vipers live only here. Their venom kills in under an hour, causing organ failure, brain bleeding, and muscle death.
The island has a snake nearly every square meter. Imagine walking anywhere, there’s likely a deadly viper underfoot.
There’s no hospital, no rescue, and no margin for error. A single bite here is usually a death sentence.
The Brazilian Navy has banned all visits. Only scientists with strict permits and escorts are allowed to set foot here.
Stories say a lighthouse keeper and his family died of snake bites. Fishermen vanished after landing here. Locals keep their distance.
No water, no roads, and no shelter. Even the lighthouse is automated. Living here is simply impossible.
Cut off from the mainland, the vipers evolved stronger venom, five times more toxic, specially designed to kill birds instantly.
Though lethal, the golden lancehead is endangered. Poachers seek its rare venom, fetching tens of thousands on the black market.
With no predators and plenty of migrating birds, these vipers thrive. They dominate the ecosystem without challenge.