Massive Snake Migration Again Closes Illinois Road This Fall

If you have a fear of snakes, avoid one road for about another month.

September 22nd officially kicks off fall. And one great part of the season change is that things like bugs and snakes go away and back into the ground.

But snakes have to go somewhere and that somewhere is "Snake Road" (Forest Service Road 345) which is in Shawnee National Forest, on LaRue Road. It's at the base of some bluffs, adjacent to LaRue swamp.

Of course Snake Road attracts people from all over the world to watch the snake migration. Local biologist Mark Vukovich says he's seen 44 snakes cross the road over 2 hours. Here's one viewer's timelapse.

Snake Road closes to vehicle and bike in both the spring and the fall. If you visit on foot, watch your step. The fall dates that it's closed are September 1st-October 30th.

According to Outside, Shawnee National Park is home to 60% of Illinois' snakes.

Snake species migrating include:

• Midland Water Snake
• Western Earth Snake
• Northern Red-Bellied Snake
• Eastern Hognose Snake
• Western Ribbon Snake
• Western Cottonmouth
• Western Mud Snake
• Red Milk Snake
• Eastern Rough Green Snake
• Diamondback Water Snake
• Eastern Garter Snake
• Midwest Worm Snake
• Black Rat Snake
• Copperhead
• Black Racer
• Midland Brown Snake
• Ringneck Snake
• King Snake

If you go visit Snake Road, officials remind you that you can't collect the snakes, you have to look at them from a distance, you cannot harass or corral them, no hooks, bags, tongs or containers, and don't create new trails. Just stay on the road.

Don't take me with you either.