Snake road closure begins to protect migrating species

SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST, Ill., (KBSI) — A bi-annual road closure began Tuesday on Forest Service Road No. 345, also known as Snake Road, to protect migrating snakes and amphibians.

The closure, which extends until May 15, allows the species to safely cross the road from their winter habitat in the limestone bluffs to their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp.

The road is closed to vehicles, but pedestrians are still permitted to use the road. Special regulations apply to the area, which is a federally designated Research Natural Area.

Unauthorized collecting and handling of the species is prohibited under federal and state law. Specific rules and regulations are posted at both ends of Snake Road and available on the Forest Service’s website.