Common Wolf Snake in Bali

The Common Wolf Snake, scientifically known as Lycodon capucinus and locally called Ular Serigala, is a harmless and non-venomous snake frequently found throughout Bali. Recognizable by its black body with white bands, the Common Wolf Snake has smooth scales and a slender build, making it agile and fast.

These snakes are primarily nocturnal, coming out at night to hunt for small rodents, lizards, and insects, which helps control pest populations in both natural and human-inhabited areas. They are often encountered in forests, gardens, and near human settlements, indicating their adaptability to various environments. Despite their intimidating name, these snakes are generally non-aggressive and pose no threat to humans. However, they may bite if provoked or handled roughly.

The Common Wolf Snake plays a beneficial role in the ecosystem by keeping the populations of various pests in check. Their presence in gardens and around homes is usually a sign of a healthy environment. Understanding their behavior and recognizing their harmless nature can help foster a peaceful coexistence with these useful reptiles.

Common Wolf Snake

  • Latin Name: Lycodon capucinus
  • Bahasa Name: Ular Serigala
  • Length: Up to 1 meter
  • Danger Level: Harmless
  • Venom: Non-venomous
  • Color: Black with white bands
  • Specific Markers: Smooth scales, slender body. **Eye Shape:** Round pupils. **Head Shape:** Slightly distinct from the neck. **Eye Color:** Dark.
  • Habitat: Forests, gardens, and near human settlements
  • Activity: Nocturnal (night active)
  • Prevalence: Common
  • Region: Throughout Bali
  • Behavior: Generally non-aggressive and beneficial for controlling pest populations. Will bite if provoked or handled.
  • Encounter Risk: Low. These snakes are often found near human settlements and in gardens but pose no threat due to their non-venomous nature.
common wolf snake bali harmless

Source: Wikimedia Common

Conservation Status of the Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus)

Not Evaluated (NE) by IUCN globally. It is locally common in Bali.

What Travelers want to know about Snakes in Bali

Yes, Bali is home to several dangerous snakes, including the King Cobra, Blue Krait, and Malayan Pit Viper. While these snakes are venomous, they are generally shy and avoid human contact.

The Pythons can also be dangerous, depending ion their size and whether they feel threatened. It's important to be cautious, especially in rural and forested areas.

It is uncommon, but not impossible, to find snakes in Bali villas. Most villas are well-maintained and have measures in place to prevent wildlife from entering and gardeners keep the gardens free of potential habitats as much as possible. However, occasional sightings of non-venomous snakes like the Common Wolf Snake may occur, particularly in areas close to nature.

Snakes can be found in Ubud due to its lush, natural environment, but they are not commonly encountered by visitors. The area’s forests and rice fields provide habitats for various snake species.</p]

The most common snakes in Bali include the Common Wolf Snake and the Oriental Rat Snake. These non-venomous snakes are frequently found in gardens, forests, and near human settlements.

Bali hosts several poisonous snakes, including the King Cobra, Blue Krait, Malayan Pit Viper, Javan Spitting Cobra, Green Tree Pit Viper, Island Pit Viper, Asian Coral Snake, Red-Necked Keelback Snake, Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake, and the Banded Sea Krait. These snakes possess potent venom but are typically shy and avoid human contact.

Yes, there are. Venomous sea snakes in Bali include the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake and the Banded Sea Krait. These snakes are usually found in coastal waters and are generally not aggressive towards humans.</p]

Yes, there are non-venomous snakes in Bali. Non-venomous snakes include the Burmese Python, Reticulated Python, Common Wolf Snake, Oriental Rat Snake, Brahminy Blind Snake, Green Cat Snake, Red-tailed Pipe Snake, and the Chinese Rat Snake. These snakes are harmless to humans and play a vital role in controlling pest populations.

Identifying snakes in Bali can be challenging due to the variety of species. Yes, identifying snakes in Bali involves looking at key markers such as color patterns, head shape, and habitat. For detailed information, refer to our specific snake pages guides available on our website.

Yes. The King Cobra in Bali is known for its impressive size and potent venom. It is typically found in forests and rural areas. Despite its fearsome reputation, it tends to avoid human contact.

The Banded Krait is a venomous snake found in Bali, recognized by its distinctive black and yellow bands. It is generally nocturnal and prefers wetland habitats.</p]

The thin green snake in Bali is likely the (mostly) harmless Vine Snake or the  Green Tree Pit Viper or the Island Pit Viper,, which is the snake that causes the most bites in Bali and is specifically found in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, including Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Komodo.

The striped snake in Bali could be the Blue Krait or the Banded Krait, both of which have distinct banding patterns and are venomous. These snakes are nocturnal and typically found in rural areas.

The likelihood of seeing a snake in Bali depends on your location and activities. While urban and tourist areas have fewer sightings, rural and forested areas have higher chances of encounters. However, snakes generally avoid human contact.

Besides snakes, other dangerous animals in Bali include certain species of spiders and scorpions. However, encounters with these creatures are rare, and they generally avoid human contact, and are not very poisonous. It's more dangerous playing with a monkey in the Monkey Forest.