Washington: There is a road in the US state of Illinois, where the movement of vehicles is completely stopped for about four months of the year. This road, about 4 kilometres long, is known as ‘Snake Road’. The reason for this is not any construction work or security-related threat, but the snakes and other wildlife living here. The road passes through the Shawnee National Forest. Every year a large number of snakes, frogs, turtles and other creatures cross it during migration. To prevent their death due to being hit by vehicles, the administration has decided to keep this road closed for a stipulated period.
In which two months of the year is the road closed?
According to Jalopnik’s report, the official name of this road is Forest Service Road 345. It is also called La-Rue Road. There is a ban on vehicular movement here twice every year. The first ban is in force from March 15 to May 15 and the second from September 1 to October 30. In this way, entry of cars and other vehicles on the road remains closed for a total of four months in a year. Recently, this road has been reopened for traffic after being closed for about two months. The ban dates are decided keeping in mind the migration time of wildlife.
Do other creatures also migrate along with snakes?
The snakes and amphibians living in the Shawnee National Forest change their habitat twice a year. In winter, they move out of marshy areas towards limestone rocks, where they find favourable conditions. When the weather changes, they return to the marshy areas. Apart from snakes, frogs, turtles, newts and salamanders are also involved in this movement. These small creatures often came under the tyres of vehicles while crossing the road. In view of this problem, a system of keeping the road closed during both the migrations was started.
How many species live in Shawnee National Forest?
Shawnee National Forest is spread over an area of about 2.89 lakh acres. This area is located between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. According to the Forest Department, 35 migratory species of snakes and 23 migratory species of amphibians are found here. These also include some poisonous snakes. The timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and eastern copperhead are the three venomous species found in the area. In such a situation, this area is considered special for wildlife as well as nature lovers.
Can tourists go on foot when the road is closed?
Despite restrictions for vehicles being in place, people can travel on this road on foot. During this time tourists can see wildlife in their natural habitat. However, Forest Service enforcement officer Anderson Harris advised people to exercise caution. He clarified that catching snakes crossing the road is illegal.
According to Harris, the purpose of closing this road is not to save tourists from any danger but to save migratory animals from being crushed under vehicles. According to him, this is the only road of its kind to be closed for the migration of amphibians and reptiles in America.
