A quiet road in southern Illinois has an unusual distinction: it disappears from the traffic map twice a year, leaving snakes, frogs and turtles to cross without the threat of passing cars. Known as Snake Road, the route runs through the Shawnee National Forest between LaRue Swamp and the LaRue-Pine Hills limestone bluffs. National Geographic's educational account describes how the road crosses a seasonal migration route used by snakes and other reptiles moving between the two habitats. Seasonal closures began in 1972, where the road is not permanently closed.The spectacle attracts wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot dozens of snakes in their natural surroundings, while highlighting how a simple road can become a serious obstacle for migrating wildlife.
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