Illinois closes Forest road twice a year to protect migrating snakes

The United States Forest Service closes Forest Service Road 345, also known as LaRue Road or Snake Road, to vehicle traffic twice a year to protect migrating wildlife in Illinois.

The road serves as a barrier between LaRue Swamp and limestone bluffs. During the migration periods, snakes move between these two locations and face the risk of being killed by passing cars. The road closures occur from March 15 to May 15 and from September 1 to October 30.

These periods allow approximately 35 snake species and 23 migratory amphibian species to cross the path safely. The snakes include at least three venomous types: timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and eastern copperheads. While vehicles are prohibited during these months, the Forest Service allows people to walk along the road to observe the animals. Forest Service Enforcement Officer Anderson Harris says the restrictions prevent animals from being incidentally killed by cars.

Residents initially opposed the closures but eventually accepted the rules to safeguard the wildlife.