A 2 ½ mile-long road in Shawnee National Forest is closing tomorrow for an annual migration of snakes and amphibians.

Snake Road closes every year so that the animals can make their gradual, two-month move from areas where they live during the summer to winter hibernation habitats. Some species are considered threatened or endangered in Illinois and the U.S.

The road southwest of Murphysboro is open to pedestrians, but closed to vehicles until Oct. 30.

About 66 percent of amphibians and 59 percent of reptiles that live in Illinois are in the area.