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Do Snakes Have Ears?  Snake is a mysterious being and at times poisonous. These biologically unique reptiles have long been a part of mythological tales in India and beyond borders. One of the most culturally referred tales about them is that of a snake charmer playing the flute with a snake rising and swaying. This whole scenario raises too many questions: do snakes really enjoy music, do snakes actually hear the flute and can respond to it? Let’s dive deep into this popular claim and find out.

Why Do Snakes Dance To The Flute?

Unlike humans, snakes have no external ears. They use an internal structure that is attached to their jawbones to detect vibrations. This whole thing makes them unable to hear airborne sounds like humans and most other creatures do, according to the report by the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

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When a snake charmer plays the flute, the snake is not reacting to the music notes or tune. Rather, the cobra responds to the motion of the instrument and the vibrations transmitted through the ground. Cobras are instinctively defensive creatures. When a snake charmer takes a seat in front of them, wagging the flute left to right, the snake thinks it is a threat. Its hooded position and swaying gait are, in fact, defensive stances. The reptile is maintaining its attention on what it believes is causing danger; in this situation, it is a flute.

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Therefore, to your surprise, the snake's behaviour is not much related to the sound of the flute, but the vibrations and back and forth movement in front of it, which he is trying to get protected from. This gives viewers the impression that the snake is dancing on the snake charmer’s flute.

In short, snakes do not necessarily hear or appreciate music. They react based on instinct, sight, and vibration. The concept of snakes ‘hearing’ flute is about cultural tales than biological facts.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It explains the biological behaviour of snakes based on general scientific understanding. Practices like snake charming often involve methods that may harm or distress animals. The content does not endorse or promote snake charming or the exploitation of wildlife in any form.