We’ve all heard the classic joke about why the chicken crossed the road, but what about the snake?
Twice a year, a 2.8-mile stretch of LaRue Road 345 in the LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area, also known as Snake Road, closes from March 15 to May 15. This allows snakes and amphibians to make their way from winter hibernation habitats in the Shawnee National Forest to summer swamp habitats without having to dodge traffic. The road shuts down again each fall to let the animals return to their winter habitat.
Visitors are welcome to travel the road on bikes or foot during the closure, but don’t touch – the Illinois Forest Service strictly prohibits harassing or herding the animals.
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