The road will stay closed through Oct. 30, but that isn’t stopping visitors from checking out the migration.
UNION COUNTY, Illinois — A diverse array of around 35 snake species has temporarily closed nearly three miles of a road in southern Illinois, coinciding with the peak of their bi-annual migration.
According to forest officials, thousands of snakes, along with various reptiles and amphibians, traverse the road within the Shawnee National Forest to move between their feeding areas at LaRue Swamp and their hibernation spots in the nearby bluffs. To ensure their protection during this migration, the 2.7-mile segment of LaRue Road is closed annually from September 1 to October 30 and again from March 15 to May 15.
Editor’s note: The above video originally aired in 2022.
“The Northern Cottonmouth is the most commonly seen snake here,” explained U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Biologist Mark Vukovich. “However, there’s also a good chance of encountering the other two venomous species, the Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake.”
Those interested in observing the snakes or engaging in other recreational pursuits in the forest are welcome to explore the “snake road” by walking. Vukovich mentioned that October is the ideal month for viewing the serpents.
“It’s a great way to get people over that feeling that snakes are bad and they’re nasty creatures,” Vukovich said. “They’re not. They’re not at all.”
The University of Illinois’ Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory notes that historical and cultural biases against snakes stem from ignorance and misconceptions. In truth, snakes contribute significantly to ecosystems globally, including pest population control, serving as a food source for larger predators, and helping maintain biodiversity by managing invasive species.
