Imagine this, you’re stuck on a tiny island. There are no sandy beaches or swaying palm trees. Instead, you see sheer rock faces and dense vegetation filled with creepy crawlies and slithering shadows.
This isn’t a typical tropical paradise. This is Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, off the coast of Brazil. Danger is everywhere here.
There are thousands of golden lancehead pit vipers, some of the deadliest snakes on Earth. Their venom can melt flesh and cause organ failure.
But snakes aren’t the only problem. Giant cockroaches crawl across the forest floor. The only friendly faces are birds, but they become quick snacks for the vipers.
This island is so dangerous that tourists can’t visit. The Brazilian Navy patrols the waters to keep people away.
So, why is this tiny island full of deadly vipers? And If you accidentally find yourself near Snake Island, how to survive there? Get ready to discover the secrets where surviving is a game of chance, and every rustle in the leaves could be your last.
But first lets know -Why Snake Island is so dangerous
It’s a place so dangerous that Brazil has banned visitors from setting foot there. Why? Because this island is home to the golden lancehead pit vipers – one of the deadliest snakes on Earth.
The golden lanceheads are incredibly venomous. They can grow to over a foot and a half long, and it’s estimated that there are between 2,000 to 4,000 of them on Snake Island. Their venom is so potent that a human bitten by one could die within an hour.
But how did this island become infested with such deadly snakes? Legend has it that the snakes were introduced by pirates who wanted to protect buried treasure on the island. However, the truth is less dramatic – rising sea levels over 10,000 years ago separated Snake Island from the mainland, isolating the animals there. Without natural predators and with birds as their primary prey, the lanceheads evolved to have extremely potent venom to quickly immobilize their avian prey.
Snake Island used to be inhabited, but people abandoned it by the late 1920s, allegedly due to deadly encounters with the vipers. Today, the Brazilian navy occasionally visits to maintain the lighthouse and ensure no one ventures too close.
Despite its deadly reputation, the venom of the golden lanceheads has attracted interest for medical research, particularly in treating heart problems. This has led to a black market demand for the venom, tempting some to risk the dangers of Snake Island. Now let’s discuss how to survive on snake island-
Seek Immediate Help
First things first, if you can, call for help right away. Use your phone or any way you can reach out to authorities. Let them know where you are and what’s going on. Stay calm. Panicking won’t help.
Know your surroundings. Learn about where you are on the island and where snakes might hang out. Avoid places like tall grass, rocky spots, and places where snakes could hide. These are their favorite hideouts.
By staying calm and knowing your stuff, you’ll be better prepared to handle any snake encounters.
Build Shelter
To stay safe on a deserted island, your first priority is to find or create a shelter that shields you from the weather. Avoid sleeping directly on the ground, as it’s where snakes might be hiding.
Now, locate a freshwater source if possible. It’s crucial to have clean drinking water to stay hydrated.
For food, it’s wise to carry non-perishable items with you. The island may not have readily available food sources, so being prepared is key.
Signal for Rescue
To signal for rescue, use whatever you have: mirrors, whistles, or bright clothes. A fire can work too, but watch out for snakes—they’re drawn to warmth. If you are Moving around the island? Be super careful. Walk slow, watch your step, and wear sturdy boots and protective clothes if you can. Safety first, always!
Sail carefully
Snake Island is surrounded by rocky waters, making it risky for sailing or fishing nearby. If you’re out there, you better stay cautious!
In February 2019, a small fishing boat with six guys faced a fierce storm. The boat started sinking near Snake Island. Four of them decided to swim to the island, knowing exactly where they were. The other two chose to stay on the boat, sadly accepting their fate.
The four men stranded on the island stayed on the beach for three long days. They didn’t venture into the forest but survived by drinking rainwater and munching on bananas they found nearby.
Luckily, their luck turned when they spotted another boat passing by. Without wasting a moment, they swam out to it. The boat crew picked them up and rushed them to the nearest emergency room on the coast. And that’s how these guys made it out alive from a tough spot near Snake Island. So you should be careful.
Watch out for cockroaches
Aside from lethal vipers, this island is teeming with nonvenomous snakes, giant cockroaches, and locusts that roam freely. So, if you find yourself here, keep a lookout for these creatures. They may not be deadly, but they’re definitely not your typical house pets!
Now, about those giant cockroaches – if you’re feeling adventurous and hungry, they could actually be a lifesaver. Believe it or not, cockroaches are safe to eat and packed with protein and essential amino acids. So, bon appétit if you dare!
Deal with the snakes
If you’re stuck on this island, dealing with snakes is a serious challenge. The snakes here, called golden lancehead pit vipers, have venom that’s five times stronger than regular lancehead vipers. It’s really potent.
If you encounter these snakes, find a stick or something to defend yourself. Their bites can cause major health problems like kidney failure, brain bleeding, and intense stomach and muscle pain. It’s serious stuff.
If you get bitten, you’ll feel like your skin is melting. Remove any jewelry like rings or watches because your limbs might swell up fast.
If you have an EpiPen, use it for allergic reactions like swelling or trouble breathing. But the most important thing is to get medical help immediately. That’s your best shot at surviving.
Bring a doctor
Snake Island, where only biologists and researchers dare to tread! We already know this island is home to a unique species called the golden lancehead pit vipers. They’re pretty fascinating but also quite dangerous.
You see, the Brazilian navy makes a yearly trip to maintain the lighthouse here, which has been running on its own since the 1920s. It’s like a visit from the outside world to this isolated place.
Now, here’s the catch: if you’re going to Snake Island, you better have a doctor on your team. Why? Because these golden lancehead snakes, if they bite you, there’s a 7% chance you might not make it. That’s serious! But if a doctor treats you right away, those odds drop down to just 3%. Phew, that’s a big difference!
Beware of pirates
These snakes are super valuable to wildlife smugglers, also known as biopirates. They sneak onto the island to catch these snakes and sell them illegally. Can you believe one snake can fetch up to $30,000 on the black market? That’s a lot of money!
Because these snakes only live on Snake Island, they’re in big trouble. They’re endangered, which means their numbers are dropping fast. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has put them on their Red List to try to protect them.
So, if you manage to survive Snake Island, don’t let your guard down.
Wait for Rescue
Your best bet to stay safe is to wait for trained professionals to come rescue you. Trying to survive there on your own is a bad idea.
It’s really important to follow all the rules and laws about Snake Island. If you’re thinking of going there, talk to experts first, get the right permissions, and make sure you know all the safety stuff.
Surviving Snake Island is a daunting challenge, requiring utmost caution and preparation. From the deadly golden lancehead pit vipers to treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather, every moment on this forbidden island demands vigilance. If fate strands you there, seek immediate help, avoid snake habitats, and signal for rescue with whatever means available.
Build shelter, secure water, and stay vigilant against the island’s myriad dangers. Remember, Snake Island’s reputation for peril is well-earned, and only those who respect its dangers and prepare meticulously stand a chance at surviving its deadly embrace.
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