$30,000 Snake: Why Modern-Day Pirates Risk Death to Sneak Onto "Snake Island"

Also known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, Snake Island is an uninhabitable spit of land off the Brazilian coastline. The island itself is a little over 100 acres, making it fairly small in the grand scheme of things. However, every square inch of this island is populated by bugs, birds, and, of course, snakes.
There’s some interesting history of how the island became so overrun with snakes and bugs. Scientists say that 11,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, sea levels rose due to global warming, and this island, once a part of the continent of Brazil, had high elevations that were not covered in ocean. However, over time this piece of land broke off from the mainland and drifted 90 miles out, trapping the snakes and bugs. As there was plenty for the snakes to eat, and no predators taking them out, they multiplied and essentially took over the island.
Snake Island also features an automated lighthouse that needs annual repairs, despite the obvious dangers present on the island. The only other people entering this dangerous location are researchers determined to study the unique ecosystem and modern-day pirates. But why do pirates risk their lives to bring back any “treasure” from Snake Island?
The reason people risk everything to bring snakes back from Snake Island is simple: there’s a huge payday involved. The snakes living on Snake Island are so unique that a single snake will fetch modern-day pirates up to $30,000. When you consider just how many snakes there are on the island, you can only imagine that’s enough of a reason for people to venture forth.

The amount of money that pirates can earn from a single snake is so high because of pharmaceutical and scientific demand. Yep, these snakes possess a venom that is rumored to be valuable for a wide variety of health purposes, such as cancer research, heart health, and more. There’s something about this venom, and pharmaceutical companies will pay top dollar to find out why.
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$30,000 Snake: Why Modern-Day Pirates Risk Death to Sneak Onto "Snake Island"