Shawnee National Forest Closes Snake Road for Spring Snake Migration

Temporary closure allows safe crossing for threatened and endangered snake and amphibian species.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Shawnee National Forest in Illinois is temporarily closing Forest Service Road No. 345, also known as Snake Road, from March 6 through May to allow for the bi-annual migration of several species of snakes and amphibians across the 2.5-mile stretch of road. This closure ensures the safe crossing of these threatened and endangered species as they move from their winter habitat in the limestone bluffs to their summer habitat in LaRue Swamp.

Why it matters

The Snake Road closure is an important conservation effort to protect vulnerable snake and amphibian populations in the Shawnee National Forest. The migration event attracts many visitors eager to witness the diverse array of reptile and amphibian species, but interaction with the wildlife can be disruptive and dangerous. Maintaining the closure helps balance public access with the needs of the local ecosystem.

The details

Snake movements on the road occur as individual snakes cross at scattered times during the day and at random points along the road, rather than in large groups. While the road is closed to vehicles, it remains open to foot traffic, and Forest Service volunteers known as 'Snake Sentinels' will be on hand to assist visitors and collect data on the migrating species. Visitors are reminded not to handle or collect any of the snakes, which is prohibited by law, as it can lead to injury, stress the animals, and potentially result in the closure of the area.

  • The temporary closure of Snake Road begins on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The road will remain closed through May 2026 to allow for the full spring migration period.

The players

Shawnee National Forest

A national forest located in southern Illinois that is managed by the United States Forest Service.

Snake Sentinels

Forest Service volunteers who have received training in snake identification and data collection, and assist visitors along Snake Road during the migration.

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What’s next

The Shawnee National Forest will reopen Snake Road to vehicle traffic once the spring migration period has concluded, typically in late May.

The takeaway

The temporary closure of Snake Road in the Shawnee National Forest is an important conservation measure to protect vulnerable snake and amphibian populations during their critical spring migration. By restricting public access and interaction with the wildlife, the Forest Service can help ensure the continued health and balance of the local ecosystem.