Shawnee National Forest closing road for snake migration

HARRISBURG, Ill. – The Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is closing a roadway so snakes and amphibians can safely migrate from limestone bluffs to a nearby swamp.

The 2 1/2-mile (3.22 kilometre) Snake Road is also known as LaRue Road and Forest Service Road No. 345. It closes March 15. Some of the species that need to cross are considered threatened and endangered. The road closes every spring and fall to allow for the safe migration to and from winter hibernation areas. It’s in the LaRue-Pine Hills Research Natural Area, on the western edge of the forest.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports that the two-month migration attracts people from around the country who want to see the diverse reptile and amphibian species on a single stretch of road.