Bi-annually, the Shawnee National Forest closes Forest Service Road No. 345, known as Snake Road, to ensure safe passage for various snake and amphibian species during their critical migration period.
This 2.5-mile road is closed from September 1 to October 30, allowing snakes and amphibians—some of which are threatened or endangered—to migrate from their summer habitats in LaRue Swamp to their winter homes in the limestone bluffs. For updates on the closure, visitors can check the Forest’s website or follow their Facebook and Twitter pages.
This two-month migration event draws nature enthusiasts from across the country, eager to observe the rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians found along this stretch of road. Approximately 66 percent of Illinois’s amphibian species and 59 percent of its reptiles inhabit this area.
While the road is closed to vehicles, it remains open for foot traffic. Special regulations apply, as the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond area is a federally designated Research Natural Area, and unauthorized collection or handling of these species is prohibited under federal and state law.
Visitors may encounter volunteers along the road assisting the Forest Service in counting snakes, people, and vehicles. Recent training sessions were held for Snake Sentinels, volunteers dedicated to monitoring Snake Road, covering topics such as data collection and snake identification.
For more information about the snake migration and LaRue-Pine Hills Research Natural Area, visit this link: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3833915.pdf
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