This road in Illinois is closed twice annually to allow snakes to cross.

This road in Illinois is closed twice annually to allow snakes to cross.

      Kristian Bell/Getty Images

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      Road closures can occur for various reasons such as construction and public events, but in Illinois, one road is currently closed to protect local wildlife. The U.S. Forest Service is rerouting traffic away from a 2.5-mile stretch to prevent snakes from being run over.

      Known as Snake Road, Forest Service Road No. 345 is situated in Shawnee National Forest, a fantastic area for hiking, camping, and mountain biking. If you plan to explore this area, be prepared to extend your journey. The road was closed on March 12 and will remain shut until May 15, with the Forest Service citing the warm weather as the reason for the early closure.

      So, why do snakes cross the road? Snakes and various amphibians, including some that are threatened and endangered, traverse Snake Road to migrate from the limestone bluffs where they winter to their summer habitat near LaRue Swamp. The last thing we want is for an endangered species to be run over by a vehicle, and placing “watch out for snakes” signs wouldn't be effective; thus, the most sensible approach is to close the road for two months twice a year.

      The Forest Service mentions that the road is still accessible to pedestrians, although there is no telling how many snakes you may come across. You might also encounter volunteers known as Snake Sentinels, who are there to count snakes, assist visitors in navigating the forest, and remind everyone of proper wildlife etiquette. It is important to note that touching the snakes is illegal if that is something you might consider.

      Have any tips? Feel free to send them to [email protected]

This road in Illinois is closed twice annually to allow snakes to cross.

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This road in Illinois is closed twice annually to allow snakes to cross.

Endangered snakes are traversing the road, and they're not in pursuit of a chicken.