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HARRISBURG — Shawnee National Forest’s Snake Road is closing March 15 so that snakes and amphibians, some of them considered threatened and endangered in Illinois and the United States, can migrate from limestone bluffs to nearby LaRue Swamp.

Closing the 2.5-mile-long road, also known as LaRue Road and Forest Service Road No. 345, helps ensure safe crossing for these rare species.

The gradual, two-month migration attracts people from across the country eager to witness the rich diversity of reptile and amphibian species along this single stretch of road. About 66 percent of the amphibians and 59 percent of the reptiles known to occur in Illinois are found here.

“Snakes and amphibians migrate to the bluffs where they hibernate for the winter,” said Paul Widowski, a wildlife biologist with Shawnee National Forest. “Cottonmouths are the most common snake that can be seen during this migration.”

Snake Road will be closed between mile post 3.0 and mile post 5.8. It will remain closed until May 15. Though the road is closed to vehicles, it is open to people traveling on foot.