Snake Road in southern Illinois to close Friday for spring migration

It's that time of year to close southern Illinois' famous Snake Road.

Snake Road, or Forest Road 345, a 2.5-mile road in the Shawnee National Forest in Union County, will be closed to vehicles beginning Friday through about May 15. 

The road is closed so dozens of species of snakes and amphibians, some of them considered endangered in Illinois and the United States, can move from their winter habitat in the limestone bluffs across the road to their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp. In the fall, the migration is reversed.

The Shawnee National Forest hosts over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, including 52 reptile and 57 amphibian species. This includes roughly 35 snake species, numerous lizards, turtles, frogs, and salamanders. 

The forest, especially the LaRue-Pine Hills area, supports 66% of Illinois' amphibians and 59% of its reptiles.

The famous migration attracts people from across the country to walk along the road.

According to the forest service, visitors should keep their distance from the snakes to avoid disrupting them. Handling or collecting the snakes is not allowed and is prohibited by law.

Visitors are also asked to stay on the gravel road.

You can click here for more information about Snake Road.