Illniois Road Closed for Massive Snake Migration

The Shawnee National Forest has closed a road known as Snake Road to allow for snakes and other reptiles and amphibians to cross.

If there is one thing in this world that terrifies me, it's snakes.  That being said, I do understand are some benefits to keeping them around. However, if I were to see one in my yard, I would instinctively run away. The fact that I am even writing about a snake right now is baffling to me. What's even more baffling is the fact that I am writing about multiple snakes in southern Illinois that will be migrating. This migration is so big that it actually closes down a road.

Snake Road in the Shawnee National Forest

Twice a year, the Shawnee National Forest closes Forest Service Road No. 345, also known as Snake Road. This is an effort to help ensure safe crossing for several species of snakes and amphibians during this critical time of migration. The fact that it is even known as Snake Road makes me want to avoid that road at all costs. However, that's not the case for many people. According to the USDA Forest Service:

The 2.5-mile-long road is closed March 15 through May 15 to allow snakes and amphibians – some of them considered threatened and endangered in Illinois and the United States – to migrate from their winter habitat in the limestone bluffs across the road to their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp.

This event actually attracts people from across the country who are eager to witness all of the reptiles and amphibians along that stretch of the road. While the road is currently closed to vehicles, it is still open to people traveling on foot. The USDA Forest Service goes on to say:

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. Snake Sentinels are also available to assist visitors with questions about the area or general directions to other recreation sites.

You can learn more about Snake Road by clicking here. Have you ever explored it during the migration season? If so, how many snakes did you come across?