Illinois Road Closed Due to Snakes

Illinois wildlife authorities shut down a two-mile stretch of road to vehicles through late October due to a yearly snake migration.

The U.S. Forest Service said Forest Road #345 – also known as “Snake Road” – in the Shawnee National Forest was closed to vehicles beginning September 1st and will remain closed through October 30th. It is closed for a short time each Spring as well.

The snakes migrate from LaRue Swamp to the nearby limestone bluffs, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Some of the snakes and amphibians are considered endangered in the Prairie State and closing the road allows them cross safely.

While vehicles are not allowed on the road, it will remain open to foot traffic.

USDA says Snake Road is home to 23 species of snakes, some of which are venomous including rattlers and copperheads, and one of the few places in North America where so many can be seen in one geographical location.