Springfield: With the start of the migration season of snakes, forest officials have banned vehicular traffic on a two-mile stretch of road. 345 Forest Road in the state of Illinois, USA, witnesses this rare phenomenon every year.
Vehicular traffic on this road, which passes through the Shawnee National Forest, was closed on September 1. The U.S. Forest Service announced that the ban will continue until October 30. Every year in the spring, this road known as ‘Snake Road’ is closed like this.
Snakes cross the road from the Laroo swamp area of the region to the nearby limestone hills. Amphibians also migrate in this way. It also includes endangered species. With road closures, they can pass freely and safely. There is a ban on vehicles on the road, but there is no hindrance to pedestrians.
Around 23 species of snakes are estimated to be present in the Snake Road area. These include highly venomous rattlesnakes and copperhead pit vipers. Snake Road is one of the few areas in North America where snakes of different species can be seen together.