Respect Wildlife

Snake Road

LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area (RNA) became our nation’s 250th RNA in 1991. RNAs are permanently protected to maintain biological diversity and to provide places for research and monitoring of natural communities. More than 1350 species of plants and animals make their homes in the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond RNA. Many are threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Prairie plants, southern swamp types and plants typical of the eastern and western forests all exist here within 14 different natural communities. Thirty-five percent of Illinois’ plant species can be found in the RNA and it is one of only two sites in the state where the native shortleaf pine grows naturally.

Protecting the Reptile and Amphibian Population

Perhaps this area is most famous for the biannual "Snake Migration" across the LaRue Road at the base of the bluffs, adjacent to LaRue Swamp. The road is closed to vehicular traffic every spring and fall to help protect thousands of reptiles and amphibians during their migration between their summer and winter habitats. About 66 percent of the amphibians (or 23 species of amphibians) and 59 percent of the reptiles (or 35 species of snakes) known to occur in Illinois are found here. Approximately 90 percent of the Illinois mammal species and 175 bird species inhabit the RNA. It is an important resting area for migratory birds and waterfowl. Some unusual animals that make LaRue-Pine Hills their home include the bobcat, bald eagle, Indiana bat, spring cavefish, eastern woodrat, golden mouse, armadillo and Mississippi kite.

The yearly migration involves the hibernation of the animals during the winter months in the bluffs. These animals then move to their feeding grounds in the swamp during the summer months. Herpetologists have reported that the main factor in triggering the seasonal migration is ground temperature. This road was open to traffic year-round prior to 1972. This resulted in the death of many animals that were crossing the road. Consequently, the Forest Service closed a 2.5-mile segment of the road during the seasonal migration to protect the reptiles and amphibians. The road is now closed for two months in the spring and fall to further ensure the protection of early or late migrating species. The closure dates are March 15 to May 15 in the spring and September 1 to October 30 in the fall. Collecting of plants and animals is prohibited without a permit. The impact of the road closure on people is minimal. People who want to enter this area of the Shawnee National Forest for recreation are welcome to travel the snake road on foot. The closure does not interfere with waterfowl hunting, a popular late fall activity in the LaRue Swamp.

LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area Regulations

This Research Natural Area has been established to protect a number of special plants, animals and natural community types. To help meet these objectives the following restrictions apply to public use and occupancy of the area.

The following is prohibited:

• Collection, handling or removal of any snake species. This includes gathering, herding, harassing or having in possession. Also to have in your possession collecting equipment (unless authorized).
• The use of horses except on Forest Road 345.
• Overnight camping.
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a campfire (gas stoves are allowed).
• Excavation, disturbance or removal of any soil, stone, or material lying upon or contained in the rock or soil of the area.
• Cutting, killing, destroying, injuring or removing living vegetation.
• Taking or killing of any animal, bird, fish, reptile or amphibian, except for game species as defined and permitted by Illinois state laws.
• Conducting certain activities such as, research projects, tours, group visits, etc. which the Forest Service has not approved in writing.*
• To possess or use motorized or non-motorized vehicles and cycles off-road.
• Using a gas-powered motorized watercraft.
• Rappelling or rock climbing.
• Abandonment of garbage brought to the LaRue-Pine Hills RNA.
• Establishment of commercial enterprise, construction of any improvements, establishment of permanent or semi-permanent camps or erection of structures. Temporary waterfowl blinds are permitted, but must be removed at the end of each hunting day.

*For more information about obtaining a Research Natural Area Use Application contact the Shawnee National Forest’s RNA Coordinator at (618) 658-2111. Some activities may require a separate special-use permit.