Snake Road Migration | Shawnee National Forest

The fall snake migration is in full swing at Larue-Pine Hills National Natural Landmark, so we walked the length of Snake Rd. out and back (5 miles total) and encountered 27 snakes! Great day of herping.
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Film Gear:
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[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Snakes are an important part of our ecosystem, and are not to be feared, but respected. In this video, we followed all the rules and kept our distance, utilizing zoom cameras and cameras on poles. Larue-Pine Hills encourages visitors to witness this migration, following simple safety rules, foot traffic only. Respect the wildlife, and it will respect you!

[@bwhite429]

If there is one thing I’ve learned from milking snakes it is snakes don’t really like to be milked. - Jack Handy

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Accurate! 🤣

[@Renee_ok_-_-]

My grandfather, here in SE Ohio, used to work in the lumbering field in his younger days (1950s-60s). My granny told me that he used to capture timber rattlers to sell to a local vet who milked them for antivenin. He apparently lost a few tin lunchboxes this way, as the snake was not amused by his ventures 😂

[@mikestuckmeyer8400]

Very cool. Went there in spring 2020 and saw one small cottonmouth. We probably got there too late in the day (driving from STL). Hope to get back in the fall and see more. What time of day were you there?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I believe we got there around 10am, and was there 3+ hours. I've found that the snakes aren't really up and moving until the sun is out and warming the ground & rocks up, so going too early doesn't really work. Haven't been there later in the day. One year, we went too early in the migration (third weekend of September) and saw no snakes at all!

[@janecain1137]

Thank you! Went to the Shawnee. Was beautiful. Heard about Snake Road....no...no...would never go there! Glad this was posted. So excited to go now. What a special place. Would subscribe but this isn't my phone. Will subscribe soon. 🥰

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Shawnee has a lot of great places! The Snake Road migration sounds more dangerous than it is, just give the snakes some space and enjoy the wildlife!

[@brendar.8185]

Although snakes have always gave me the creeps I have tried to overcome that and can at least see them and not freak out. When living in FL we used to get cotton mouths in the trees so had to check those out before sitting down to relax. Great video thank you for taking us along.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I have not found a cottonmouth in a tree, that might freak me out a bit, LOL! We did once find a rattler in a tree, but he was just curled up sleeping. I love seeing them, as long as I'm not about to step on them, LOL!

[@redshepherdoutdoors7201]

I love Snake Road and the Pine Hills area. That Timber Rattlesnake was a great find. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

That rattler made our day! We were getting bored with all the cottonmouths, LOL.

[@cherylsterrenburg2186]

Just curious what species of snakes have been seen here over the years?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

More than I can list! Here's a link to a PDF that has them all listed, from the Shawnee National Forest Service. www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5106391.pdf

[@TravelKiwi]

Wow 50 spices!!! That’s so many and super cool!! Would be amazing to walk though but I think I’d get scared of the snakes... I really don’t like them!!! Great video though enjoyed seeing all the snakes!! Love listening to the birds in the background too!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I used to feel the same way about snakes (as well as some other wildlife.) But after encountering them enough, I learned they're really not that scary! Well, within reason....

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Wow!! You guys seen a lot of snakes!! I’ve got to make my way to Shawnee Forest.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It's a great forest, lots of features. I need to go more often.

[@terriepierceespinosa6962]

From 7:30 to 7:43 when you're looking at the green snake, is that another large, dark-colored snake behind it?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Not that I can make out, but it wouldn't surprise me if we missed something while concentrating on the rough green!

[@SantosChronicles]

Hey we were just there at the Garden of the Gods. But we never did any hiking in the actual Forrest itself. No way I would go during this time but happy watch you guys do it. You really do an amazing job with your narration. Didn't recognize you guys without your cool hats. Wow, you weren't kidding, there was a bunch on your walk.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Most of the Shawnee is pretty safe, as long as you stay on trail. This place, however, is a snake haven and definitely a place you'd want to closely control children if you ever did go. You know we love the wildlife!

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Wow! Alison would love this place. You saw so many! 💪👍 What an unbelievable little trail for snakes. Definitely putting it on the list. Nice episode.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It truly is amazing! Obviously, wildlife doesn't always cooperate, we went for the fall migration last year but it was still pretty warm and we saw no snakes that day. Made up for it this time! Thanks for watching, hope you get to visit sometime!

[@ForgottenFriendReptileTV]

Wow great numbers of finds! What do you think was the best time of day or temperatures for movement? We'll be visiting next month.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Probably afternoon, when the sun is out and warming the gravel on the road. They love sunning themselves on the road.

[@ForgottenFriendReptileTV]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions thanks! Have you ever done a trip thru the glades? We just had an awesome father/son trip there last month. The highlight reel is in the first 45 seconds if you wanna check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eomrZHqjlpdojKM

[@SantosChronicles]

I have never seen a tree frog before. Timber Rattler was huge to me. I like how all the trees are starting to change callers over there.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I have tree frogs in my yard, they like to hang around on my garage at night below the dusk to dawn light where all the bugs collect, LOL! Fall is coming early this year, colors are changing quick.

[@TerryX2Explore]

Looks pretty cool! I like snakes if they are far enough away from me. 🐍 The frog looks pretty cute. 🐸 That's more snakes than we have seen in the last 10 years! WOW 🐍🐸🐍 😊 Nice one!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

This is about the best place to see such snakes...from a distance! No surprises, they just cross the road. That little frog (and the one chipmunk we saw) looked a bit nervous with so many snakes around!

[@TerryX2Explore]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions I don't blame them! ;-)

[@swisssights]

These sankes are really beautiful! Thank you for this video!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! Cool seeing them up close.

[@LincolnintheAdirondacks]

I don't like snakes so this road would not be for me haha

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Haha yeah, I can't say I'm a fan of snakes, but I cant help but feel in awe of them too. 🤷‍♂️

[@LostOnLandAgain]

Other than the tree frog I have only one word for you. NO LOL

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

🤣 Yeah, we get that a lot when we share stuff from here!

[@RB-mb1ul]

Planning a trip there for the weekend of September 25. Is that good timing?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It might be, really just depends on the weather. The cooler temps, the more they are on the move!

[@RB-mb1ul]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions oh really, cooler? What temperature range?

[@chuckp342]

@@RB-mb1ul I'm interested too. I've never been, though I'm not too far (5ish hours). I'm definitely hitting it this year, though don't know the ideal temperature to catch the cottonmouths on the move

[@stephenburns3678]

Thank you

[@WanderingWiley]

That would not be for me, lol. Not a fan🤣😂

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Haha yeah, definitely not for everybody! We just like seeing wildlife that we don't often get a chance to see.

[@JimHerbertOutdoors]

Cool video and editing ✌ What dates were you down there?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! This was from the last weekend of September.

[@Parr4theCourse]

Well that road was aptly named!!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Haha indeed! 🐍

[@ckfandor4300]

Is there a "worm" road here in Illinois?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Ha! Something tells me it exists, just not sure where, LOL.

[@C63-AMG]

The snakes are super lazy there

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

The fall migration is chillier, so they're not moving too quick. Most of the time, they get onto the gravel road and bask to warm themselves, and that's how we find them.

[@MrRemo71]

I used to really like this place but it's gotten so well known now, there's way too many people the last couple of times I've been. And the more people that are out there the less snakes will be on the road.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I understand! I'd say "go early" but the snakes don't really come out until the sun warms up the ground. Maybe worth going to during the week, avoid weekends.

[@MrRemo71]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions Yes that helps. I went on a week day a few times ago

[@cydrums3411]

That's a lot of snakes my friends 👍.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yes there are!

[@jasonmiller4046]

thank you F shitcago

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

There's a few things in Chicago that I like (to visit, wouldn't want to live there.) But there is SO much more to Illinois, as you well know!

[@JimHayesHiking]

WOW! That was amazing guys! A song popped into my head ''Copperhead Road'' by Steve Earle,lol. Great video.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Haha that would have been a great background music choice!

[@PFAM5]

Really cool video. Watched it twice today. Snake road would be the perfect place to overcome a fear of snakes lol.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It is definitely healthy to fear them just a bit! Thanks for watching!

[@SL_BA]

Very interesting! A great fall adventure to see so many species of snakes. And all on one hike. Love it!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It's a cool & unique experience, for sure!

[@AOKUrbanHomestead1]

That is on my list of places to visit for sure. Wow, look at all those snakes. Thanks for sharing

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It is truly a cool experience!

[@walktalkbikeandhike642]

Great video and timing! I'm planning a trip down to Shawnee soon :) Not looking forward to seeing as many snakes as you guys did LOL

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Have fun! How many snakes you see, depends on where you go in the Shawnee. We went to this area specifically looking to see snakes!

[@silkehubbard1948]

Thank you for sharing your hiking adventures with us. This was an interesting hike with all the snakes.. I have never known of such a location with so many snake crossings. Very cool. Keep having fun and wonderful adventures!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm not aware of anywhere else, especially in the Midwest, that has this kind of biodiversity. Maybe in the swamps of Louisiana?

[@adamgolden9529]

I was going to propose an airstrike.....

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Against humans that keep invading their space? 🤣

[@AlMount]

One more reason to hate Illinois.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I'll take the snakes over most people.

[@AlMount]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions Totally agree my friend. 😆

[@nancyrobinson1257]

Purposefully going out and tracking them down like this is asking to be bit. The park is specific about not disturbing them to keep a distance and how deadly they are

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yes, and we followed those rules. The park encourages wildlife lovers to stroll, on foot, along the road, but not to disturb the wildlife, which we did not. In fact, we warned a few people along the way to take a few steps back. We do, however, have zoom cameras. You are not asking to be bit, if you know how to act around these wonderful creatures.

[@aaronhardway343]

I would suggest driving a very large steam roller over snake road repeatedly during the migration........

[@ravikiranch5988]

Why so grudge?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Please stay away then. Leave it to people that respect the wildlife.

[@aaronhardway343]

I don't live anywhere near Illinois so staying away won't be a problem for me. I do respect wildlife. I work for my state's DNR Wildlife Management Division but you will have to forgive me if I have an aversion to big, long worms with needle sharp fangs which like to insert those fangs into living flesh and inject it with poisonois venom. Steamroll the motherfu@kers!

[@Lindleyferchel]

No way will I get off the road!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I understand! I get creeped out and watch every step I take, but it still makes me nervous.