HUNTING -- An 890-square-mile federal nuclear facility in eastern Idaho near Idaho Falls has banned hunters from the area on the day of the solar eclipse, the Associated Press reports.

The Idaho National Laboratory is directly on the “path of totality” of the Aug. 21 solar eclipse, and high numbers of eclipse watchers are expected along roads in the area.

Officials say the 24-hour hunting ban is needed for safety and security purposes, and only official business access will be allowed at the site on that day.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says elk and pronghorn hunters for more than a decade have been able to access areas along the northern boundary of the site under specific guidelines.

The state agency says violators on Aug. 21 could face federal legal action.