Snake Road closed early as warmer temps spur migration

Because of our unusually warm February temperatures, Snake Road in southern Illinois has been closed ahead of schedule this year.

Shawnee National Forest officials posted Thursday that snakes and amphibians are already making their way across the 2.5 mile road from the nearby limestone bluffs to their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp.

Twice a year, officials close Forest Service Road 345, better known as Snake Road, to help ensure safe crossing for thousands of snakes and amphibians during their critical time of migration after hibernation. 

The usual spring migration occurs from mid-March through mid-May, then again in the fall for the animals' return trip.

Forest rangers say almost three dozen species of snake -- 3 venomous -- are represented in the LaRue-Pine Hills Otter Pond Research Natural Area. Some of them are considered threatened and endangered in Illinois and the United States.

People are welcome to travel the road on foot. Directions and much more local information is available here .