UNION COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - It’s that time of year for the bi-annual closing of a southern Illinois road, which becomes very busy for several species of snakes and amphibians.
Forest Service Road No. 345, also known as Snake Road, in Union County is closed to vehicle traffic for the spring migration, which has been extended now until Thursday, May 15.
According to the Shawnee National Forest, the 2.5-mile-long road closure allows snakes and amphibians to migrate safely from their winter habitat in the limestone bluffs across the road to their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp.
This same section of roadway is closed for the fall migration.
The forest service says the bi-annual closure is critical, some species of snakes and amphibians making the migration are considered threatened and endangered in Illinois,
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While the road is closed to vehicles, it is open to people traveling on foot who would like to watch the migration. The bi-annual event brings in people from all across the country.
Visitors to the road may see Forest Service volunteers counting snakes and visitors to the area.
The “Snake Sentinal” Volunteers receive special training in snake identification and data collection. They are also available to assist visitors by answering questions or giving directions to recreation sites.
The LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond is a federally designated research natural area.
According to the forest service, more than 1,350 species of plants and animals make their homes in the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond RNA.
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Special regulations apply to the area, including unauthorized collecting and handling of any of these species is prohibited under federal and state law. Specific rules and regulations are posted at both ends of Snake Road.
For more information on the migration, including what species can be seen, directions, regulations and more, click here.
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