UNION COUNTY, Ill. — Due to unseasonably warm weather, Forest Service Road No. 345 — also known Snake Road — will remain closed for an additional week, allowing the slithering creatures to safely complete their migration.
Snake Road is part of the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area and closes every year to facilitate the snakes’ migration from their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp to their winter habitat in the limestone bluffs. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the road will now remain closed until Nov. 5.
The closure prohibits vehicles from using the road but allows foot traffic, so long as visitors are respectful. Remain on the gravel road and keep your hands to yourself — touching or collecting the snakes is both dangerous and illegal.
For more information, click here. Interested in visiting the road? To hear a frequent visitor’s account, click here.