HARRISBURG – Forest Service Road No. 345, Snake Road, is temporarily closed beginning Friday, March 6 to ensure safe crossing for several species of snakes and amphibians during their bi-annual migration.
Every spring, this 2.5-mile-long road is closed March through May to allow snakes and amphibians – some of them considered threatened and endangered in Illinois and the United States – to move from their winter habitat in the limestone bluffs across the road to their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp.
The gradual, two-month migration event attracts people from across the country eager to witness the rich diversity of reptile and amphibian species along this single stretch of road.
Snake movements on the road occur as pulses of individual snakes crossing at scattered times during the day, and at random points along the road. They don’t form groups or cross the road in large masses.
A lot of factors will go into how many snakes you may see on your visit, but the number one thing to keep in mind is safety. Visitors should keep their distance from the snakes to avoid disrupting their critical movement. Visitors are also asked to keep to the gravel road as a best practice when visiting.
Another important safety reminder is that the handling or collection of snakes is not allowed and is prohibited by law. Interacting with wildlife can lead to injury, stress to the animal, and even closures of unique areas we all enjoy. The Shawnee National Forest plays a crucial role in the habitat of these snakes, and the snakes play a large role in maintaining the health and balance of the local ecosystem.
Though the road is closed to vehicles, it is open to people traveling on foot. Visitors to Snake Road may encounter Forest Service volunteers assisting with counting snakes and visitors to the area. These special “Snake Sentinel” volunteers received training in snake identification and data collection that they conduct along the Snake Road.
Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the special regulations that apply to the area around Snake Road. LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond is a federally designated Research Natural Area and unauthorized collecting and handling of any of these species is prohibited under federal and state law. Specific rules and regulations are signed at both ends of Snake Road and available on the Forest’s website.
For more information about the snake migration and LaRue-Pine Hills Research National Area, visit www.fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/safety-ethics/respect-wildlife.
