Snakes

Question
Hi, Donna would you maybe be able to answer a few questions regarding snakes and their behaviour? We are doing an inquiry project on snake charming but haven't had much luck on direct info regarding the practice. Any information regarding snake charming would be awesome if you have any!

Answer
No problem.  I can tell you that in the vast majority of cases, 'snake charming' is a scam.  The animals have their fangs pulled, and/or their mouths sewn shut, so they are harmless.  This results in a slow and painful death for the animal.

While snakes are not, as is commonly believed, deaf, they don't have very good hearing.  They have no open ear canals, but they do have an inner ear.  However, cobras aren't interested in the sounds the flute player makes - they're simply reacting to the movement of the flute, turning to face the potential threat.

Cobras aren't actually interested in biting anyone - their display is meant to frighten away an attacker.  As a result, people can sometimes take what seems like foolhardy liberties with them, without the snake striking.  It's also possible to distract a cobra with movement (such as waving a hand), and touch the top of its head since its focus is elsewhere.

Snake charming is ALWAYS stressful for the snake (even in the best of cases), and very few snake charmers have the knowledge or means to take proper care of their snakes (even if they believe they do).  It is not a practice that should be encouraged.