Why has the Famous “Snake Road” in Illinois Closed Early?
The infamous Snake Road in Southern Illinois, known not for its winding curves but for its thousands upon thousands of snakes, has closed early. What happened exactly?
According to an article on KFVS 12, Snake Road in Illinois has been shut down early due to warmer-than-average weather in the Southern part of the Land of Lincoln. The road which closes at parts of the year for snakes to migrate without being struck by vehicles usually doesn't close until March. In the article, they say...
"According to a post on the U.S. Forest Service - Shawnee National Forest Facebook page, forest officials closed the road on Thursday, February 22. Snake Road, or Forest Service Road No. 35 in the Shawnee National Forest, is closed bi-annually so several species of snakes and amphibians can cross safety during their time of migration."
To read more about Snake Road closing early, click here!
What is Snake Road?
If you have never heard of Snake Road, it is in the southern part of Illinois, in the Shawnee National Forrest, according to National Geographic...
"Snake Road is the only road in the world closed every year (from March 15 to May 15, and again from September 1 to October 30) for its biannual migration of snakes and other reptiles"
Crazy that it is closing almost a full MONTH early... Here is a YouTube video that does a great job of giving you an idea of what to expect on Snake Road.
Snake Road is proof that if you are just from Chicago, there is a LOT more to see, do, and experience in the Land of Lincoln than just the Windy City...
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Gallery Credit: Andrea Vale