In a bid to protect crucial wildlife migrations, the Shawnee National Forest Service has announced the closure of Forest Service Road No. 345, commonly referred to as Snake Road. This annual closure is set to take place from September 1 to October 30.
The 2.5-mile stretch of road in Union County will be shut down to vehicle traffic to facilitate the safe migration of various snake and amphibian species. This period marks the critical migration phase where these creatures travel from their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp to their winter quarters in the limestone bluffs.
The closure supports the movement of both threatened and endangered species, which traverse this route to ensure their survival through seasonal changes. The migration event draws visitors nationwide, eager to witness the diverse array of reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the region.
LaRue Swamp is home to approximately 66% of Illinois’s amphibian species and 59% of its reptiles, making it a vital area for conservation efforts.
While vehicular traffic is prohibited, pedestrians are still permitted, albeit under specific regulations. The LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond area is a federally protected Research Natural Area, and any unauthorized collection or handling of the species within this zone is strictly forbidden by federal and state laws.