Southern Illinois’ Snake Road closes for spring migration
Posted March 15, 2019 10:46 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HARRISBURG, Ill. — A stretch of road in southern Illinois is closed to allow snakes and amphibians the chance to migrate to their summer homes.
The Shawnee National Forest’s Snake Road closed Friday to let the animals move from the limestone bluffs where they hibernate during winter to the nearby LaRue Swamp. The (Carbonale) Southern Illinoisan reports that some of the species are considered threatened or endangered in Illinois. The migration is gradual and takes about two months. It attracts people from across the country.
The 2 1/2-mile stretch that many call Snake Road is also known as LaRue Road or Forest Service Road. It will be closed until May 15 to vehicle traffic. Foot traffic is welcome.
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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com
The Associated Press
