Snake Road, Southern IL, US

JWFugle · 04-02-15, 07:12 PM

Hey all another guy made this article and what not but wanted to share this cool event and photos with you guys.

twice a year there is a massive migration of all sorts of reptiles and snakes from up in the bluffs during winter to down in the swampy marsh during the summer. here is a link of it, and yes if you go at the right times the road seems to be moving b/c of how many snakes cross it.

Slideshow and video: A trip to Snake Road

JWFugle · 04-02-15, 07:20 PM

Also here are some photos ive taken from being out there. I have ever seen it in its "road slithering glory" but ive seen a lot of snake ranging from 6in. to 5ft. here are some of my better pics of my adventures.

JWFugle · 04-02-15, 07:31 PM

not all these were taken on one trip BTW. these pics are from 2-3 trips, the little copper heads here were really cool I found them huddled around a fallen tree stump. there had to be 6-7 of them all with in a 3sq foot area.

JWFugle · 04-02-15, 07:32 PM

Last group of them for now. this was taken last fall i found this angry guy crossing the road, nearly hit him cuz i thought he was a stick. and then he posed so nicely i had to just move the bike closer haha and this cool vine snake i found on a similar hike.

like i said he was one upset little bugger ;P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRhiX1lN4fc

Jrich · 04-02-15, 07:47 PM

I go out there frequently during the migration since it isn't a far drive. If anyone is ever in the area during the migration, it is definitely worth the trip. Sometimes I'll see 30+ snakes by just walking half a mile down the road but sometimes you don't see squat. Lots of cotton mouths, just beware. The snakes there are federally protected so no snake hooks, collecting or harming the snakes. There is usually someone always out there during the migration to punish the people that do such. Herpers are usually out there watching out for the snakes as well but unfortunately some "good ole boys" go to snake road solely to kill any snake they see or think is venomous. So sad.

bigsnakegirl785 · 04-02-15, 11:32 PM

If you're referring to that green snake when you say vine snake, it's either a rough or smooth green snake. I am also fairly sure the ones you called copperheads are young cottonmouths not yet dark, and the first two in that post are definitely adult cottonmouths. Wonderful sightings though! I don't really see any snakes where I live now. :/

FWK · 04-03-15, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsnakegirl785

If you're referring to that green snake when you say vine snake, it's either a rough or smooth green snake. I am also fairly sure the ones you called copperheads are young cottonmouths not yet dark, and the first two in that post are definitely adult cottonmouths. Wonderful sightings though! I don't really see any snakes where I live now. :/

I agree with these ID's, the green snake is a Rough Green Snake and all the snakes in the third post are Cottonmouths.

I remember the last time you posted shots of that Timber and I'm still just as jealous as I was then, what a beauty.

JWFugle · 04-04-15, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWK

I agree with these ID's, the green snake is a Rough Green Snake and all the snakes in the third post are Cottonmouths.

I remember the last time you posted shots of that Timber and I'm still just as jealous as I was then, what a beauty.

hey fair enough, im no expert. thanks for correcting me.

and thanks, that timber was something else. i keep hoping to find another one like it when i go out there

JWFugle · 04-06-15, 04:05 PM

made another trip out there this weekend. lots of other hikers so not much was out. found one cotton mouth sunning up on a log near the trail and then this tiny little guy crossing the trail.

also got a quick pic of the 2ft gar cruising the water nearby