This snake charmer is part of a dying group of performers. Strict wildlife laws in India have made it tougher for snake charmers to practice their art, while the growth of nature programs on TV has reduced people's awe and fear of snakes.

The snake cannot actually hear the music being played by the charmer. Rather, it is watching and matching the movement of the flute. A charmed snake is in a defensive mode, rearing up and spreading its hood to prepare for a strike if necessary, while closely following the movements of the flute, which it views as an adversary.

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