^BSnake charmer^b with one of his cobras. This is a spectacled cobra (^INaja naja^i), which is named for the pattern seen on its hood. It is facing the charmer. The raised head and expanded hood can be an indication that it is about to strike. Snake charmers use a swaying motion and the sounds of their flutes to 'charm' the snakes. In fact, the snake will only feel (not hear) the sounds, and is probably responding to visual signals such as the outstretched hand. Experienced snake charmers will sit outside the cobra's strike range and will also avoid provoking it. The spectacled cobra's venom can be fatal to humans. Photographed in Tamil Nadu, southern India.
