When a snake appears in a building or on the street, it causes a commotion. However, there is a place on Earth where every step is accompanied by encounters with venomous snakes. This refers to Kimada Grande, an island near the coast of Brazil, which looks like a picturesque tourist destination with blue water and many trees, but whose actual situation is completely different.
This island, known as Snake Island, is located approximately 35 kilometers from the southern coast of the state of São Paulo in Brazil. There are so many snakes here that ordinary tourists are prohibited from entering. Prior permission from the authorities, as well as thorough preparation and approval, is required for a visit.
A large number of snakes inhabit the island, including a highly dangerous species called Bothrops insularis, which is extremely venomous. It is believed that this island is home to these snakes, and they are found nowhere else in the world. Nevertheless, this population is under threat of extinction. Although it is assumed that there are many snakes there, the exact number is unknown; estimates reach three thousand individuals on a relatively small territory, meaning a snake could appear at any moment.
The island's territory includes forested areas, rocky regions, and marine zones. Besides snakes, other types of animals inhabit the island, and it also serves as an important stopover for migratory birds.
The reason for restricting access is not limited only to the fear of snakes. Kimada Grande is part of a protected federal territory, and protecting the endangered species there is of paramount importance. Therefore, access to the island is strictly controlled, and visits are permitted only to authorized personnel.
Scientific groups and researchers can visit the island after obtaining the appropriate permits to conduct research. Thus, the statement that 'nobody can visit this island' is not entirely accurate. In fact, free entry for ordinary tourists is forbidden, but access is possible under special permits for scientific research activities. Furthermore, the island has dense vegetation.
The history of the island's name is also quite interesting. In the past, local residents and fishermen tried to drive away the snakes by setting fire to the vegetation on the island. Sometimes these fires spread over large areas of the territory. This is why the island received the name Kimada Grande, which roughly translates to 'large burnt place.'
