Every spring, Haifa receives dozens of calls from residents reporting a "big, black snake" in their yard. In most cases, it's not a snake at all, but In the forest's depths, a long, silent, legless lizard that is not dangerous to humans and is even defined as a protected natural value, in danger of extinction.
A lizard that looks like a snake – but is far from it
The wood lizard is a unique reptile, reaching a length of up to 1.3 meters. Its long, smooth appearance makes many people mistake it for a snake, but it is actually a lizard, not related to snakes.
The wrinkled lizard is not dangerous to humans and does not bite. When it feels threatened, it may excrete pungent-smelling feces, a natural defense mechanism that deters predators.
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An important role in nature – and colors that change with age
The wrinkled lizard lives mainly in natural woodland areas and feeds on snails, small mammals, and other reptiles. When young, it boasts a colorful and spectacular pattern, but over time its color becomes a uniform, shiny brown.
In the spring, the breeding season, pairs of cobras can sometimes be seen. The female cobra lays her eggs in hiding and sometimes even guards them, a relatively rare behavior in the reptile world, especially compared to snakes that do not provide parental care.
The confusion – and the danger to the life of the wrinkled one
Every spring in Haifa, I receive many calls and messages from residents reporting a "big, black snake" in their yard. In most cases, it is actually a wood snake, a quiet, friendly, and harmless lizard. I usually explain to clients that it is recommended to allow it to continue on its way, because it is a territorial animal, and moving it from its habitat could significantly harm its chances of survival. I only come to capture snakes when the client is particularly insistent, or when the animal itself is in danger.
Unfortunately, many of the wrinkly ones do not survive: young ones are often injured by stray cats, and adults are killed by people acting out of fear and ignorance.
The law is clear: it is forbidden to harm a wrinkled person.
All reptiles in Israel, including the wood lizard, are defined as protected natural values. The law prohibits harming, capturing, or killing them.
It is important to be patient and careful: if you encounter a shrike, you should allow it to continue on its way. It is not dangerous, contributes to the ecological balance, and needs our protection to survive.
Zohar Lahat – Snake Catcher by phone: 054-245-5627.
Did the article interest you?
Definitely leave them alone.
There's no need to worry about wrinkles.
I happened to come across it in the woods and it welcomed us warmly. It is a wonderful animal and should not be disturbed in its activities.
Good animals should be released into the wild.