09/01/2026
Come see the 🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍
Forest Service Road No. 345, Snake Road, is temporarily closed now through October 30 to ensure safe crossing for several species of snakes and amphibians during their bi-annual migration.
The gravel road is temporarily closed to vehicles, but it is open to people traveling on foot.
LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond is a federally designated Research Natural Area and the following should be kept in mind during visits:
❌ Do not collect or handle any snakes and amphibians, it is against the law and can lead to personal injury.
✅ For your safety, stay on the gravel road. This also reduces stress on animals during their critical movement.
🐍Snake movements occur in random individual pulses, at any point in the day. They do not form groups or cross the road in large masses.
For more information about the snake migration and LaRue-Pine Hills Research National Area visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/safety-ethics/respect-wildlife
(Forest Service photo by Mycah Scoggins)
