Welcome to our site!
We hope you find the information on Snake Charmer that you are looking for.
Check out the following products on eBay. It has an enormous inventory of just about anything you could want!
 |
 Snake Charmer With Cobra In Basket Humorous Unmounted Rubber Stamp $0.99 End Date: Friday May-25-2012 12:05:03 PDT |
 Circus Greatest Show Earth Snake Charmer Ringmaster Camel Monkey NRN Stickers $1.00 End Date: Friday Jun-1-2012 21:54:40 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Mighty Beanz Original Series 3 140 SNAKE CHARMER Bean Retired Free US CS $1.35 End Date: Wednesday Jun-13-2012 12:31:45 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SRI LANKA VIEW OF SNAKE CHARMER POSTED FROM WATTALA 26 2 1977 TO DC $2.00 End Date: Tuesday May-29-2012 19:57:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Black Diamond Snake Charmer Sticker Decal $2.25 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 16:20:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.25 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKE CHARMER VINTAGE NUDE BELLY DANCER WOMAN PHOTO $2.77 End Date: Friday Jun-22-2012 3:29:54 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.77 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Fantasy Makers Eye Shadow 11256 Snake Charmer Blue Green $1.45 End Date: Saturday Jun-23-2012 14:26:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.45 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Cdv Zula Zingara Circassian Lady Circus Woman Boa Constrictor 1870 Snake Charmer $0.99 End Date: Thursday May-31-2012 15:24:10 PDT |
 MUSICAL INDIAN SNAKE CHARMER 9MM ENAMEL ITALIAN CHARM $3.50 End Date: Sunday Jun-17-2012 20:44:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 MIGHTY BEANZ ORIGINAL SERIES 3 GREAT LOT TO CHOOSE FROM LOT 1 $1.85 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 17:30:47 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.85 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Mighty Beanz Original Series 3 140 SNAKE CHARMER Bean Rare Glow In The Dark $1.99 End Date: Thursday May-31-2012 23:19:59 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Pretty Girl Snake Charmer Play Longer Bamforth Comic Risque Postcard 719 $3.85 End Date: Thursday Jun-14-2012 14:19:39 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.85 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 The Snake Charmer A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowl $3.94 End Date: Monday Jun-18-2012 6:36:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.94 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SEXY DECO SNAKE CHARMER WOMAN BELLY DANCE SERPENT PHOTO $2.99 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 13:29:37 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 JOHN HIATT SNAKE CHARMER PROMO SINGE NICE $0.99 End Date: Sunday Jun-3-2012 11:17:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: $0.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 MOOR SNAKE CHARMER NUDE MALE DANCER EGYPT GEROME PHOTO $2.99 End Date: Sunday Jun-3-2012 18:34:40 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VICTORIAN SNAKE CHARMER FOLIES WOMAN BELLY DANCER PHOTO $2.99 End Date: Thursday Jun-21-2012 19:00:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 NOUVEAU SNAKE CHARMER SEXY BELLY DANCER WOMAN PHOTO $2.99 End Date: Thursday Jun-21-2012 19:52:46 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 VINTAGE Antique SNAKE CHARMER Sheet ADDRESS LABELS $2.50 End Date: Tuesday Jun-19-2012 19:11:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Saosin Snake Charmer Metal Awesome Sticker $4.39 End Date: Friday Jun-22-2012 18:04:40 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.39 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 NUDE SNAKE DANCER CHARMER SEXY BELLY WOMAN GIRL PHOTO $3.49 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 23:06:34 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer and Destiny at the Stroke of Midnight The Physics Of Meaning $1.59 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 18:46:43 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.59 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKE CHARMER COSTUMES postcard $2.74 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 19:16:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.74 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 The Snake Charmer A Novel by Sanjay Nigam $4.74 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 17:35:17 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.74 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 NEW LEGO Minifigure Minifig Castle Kingdoms Lion Snake Charmer $2.99 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 15:06:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 The Snake Charmer by Henri Rousseau Unused postcard $2.99 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 17:07:45 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 HORROCLIX FREAKSHOW Snake Charmer 089 Unique $2.44 End Date: Wednesday Jun-13-2012 18:46:00 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.44 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 MAGNET Fridge Bossons Heads Snake Charmer 1958 Cobra Basket Flute Ships Free $4.95 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 9:38:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer by John Griffiths 0515101249 $4.97 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 19:38:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.97 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer $1.00 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 2:00:58 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer Sticker Decal Poster Artist Chuck Sperry Firehouse FH7 $3.99 End Date: Saturday Jun-2-2012 10:58:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 MIDDLE EAST antique post card Charmeur des serpents SNAKE CHARMER $4.99 End Date: Tuesday Jun-5-2012 15:20:03 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 John Hiatt 45 Snake Charmer This is Your Day $2.00 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 15:53:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SPECIAL EDITION MIGHTY BEANZ 390 SNAKE CHARMER BEAN $5.00 End Date: Thursday Jun-14-2012 20:09:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Woman Tale of the Snake Charmer 2 Virgin 2006 VF $2.70 End Date: Thursday Jun-14-2012 17:00:35 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.70 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Woman Tale of the Snake Charmer 4 Virgin 2007 VF $2.70 End Date: Thursday Jun-14-2012 17:00:39 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.70 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKE CHARMER costumes RPPC postcard $3.29 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 19:17:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.29 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKE CHARMER RPPC postcard $3.29 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 19:18:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.29 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snakewoman 2007 Vol 2 Tale of the Snake Charmer 1 NM $1.35 End Date: Tuesday Jun-19-2012 20:31:46 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snakewoman 2007 Vol 2 Tale of the Snake Charmer 2 NM $1.35 End Date: Tuesday Jun-19-2012 20:31:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snakewoman 2007 Vol 2 Tale of the Snake Charmer 3 NM $1.35 End Date: Tuesday Jun-19-2012 20:31:52 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snakewoman 2007 Vol 2 Tale of the Snake Charmer 4 NM $1.35 End Date: Tuesday Jun-19-2012 20:31:54 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snakewoman 2007 Vol 2 Tale of the Snake Charmer 5 NM $1.35 End Date: Tuesday Jun-19-2012 20:31:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snakewoman 2007 Vol 2 Tale of the Snake Charmer 6 VF $1.35 End Date: Tuesday Jun-19-2012 20:32:00 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 HorrorClix Freakshow 089 Snake Charmer Unique $2.95 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 12:25:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage Valentine Card Dog Snake Charmer Cobra Flute $3.99 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 19:38:33 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 INDIA SNAKE CHARMER COBRA postcard $3.99 End Date: Wednesday Jun-6-2012 15:18:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Gymboree shirt size 8 Outback Adventure beige blue Cobra snake CharmerS S $2.25 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday May-31-2012 10:10:01 PDT |
 John Hiatt Snake Charmer Atlantic 89461 Rare DJ 45 $2.57 End Date: Tuesday Jun-12-2012 12:01:39 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.57 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage Valentines Day Card Snake Charmer Bear w Flute Snake $5.75 End Date: Saturday Jun-23-2012 16:25:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Vtg Valentine Card 60s India Snake Charmer Hypnotist Flute 3 D Insert UNUSED $5.79 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 13:03:33 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.79 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Vtg Valentine Card 40s Teddy Bear Cobra Snake Charmer UNUSED $5.79 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 13:03:34 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.79 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 LEGO Lot Parts Mini Figure Fig NEW Snake Charmer Snake $5.88 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 12:21:22 PDT |
 Old Post Card with image of snake charmer $3.99 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 9:07:32 PDT |
 Snake Charmer Piano Late Elementary Early Intermediate Sheet Music $2.95 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 1:16:33 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer Sanjay Nigam Very Good Paperback $5.98 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 19:29:31 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.98 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Sanjay Nigam Snake Charmer 1998 Used Trade Clot $1.99 End Date: Sunday Jun-17-2012 6:25:50 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Jamie James Snake Charmer 2009 Used Trade Cloth $1.99 End Date: Sunday Jun-17-2012 15:14:22 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Jamie James Snake Charmer 2009 Used Trade Paper $1.99 End Date: Sunday Jun-17-2012 17:32:31 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Monster Hunters Issue 1 1999 acg americas comic group werewolf snake charmer $5.99 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 14:56:14 PDT |
 The Snake Charmer A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge by Jamie James $2.00 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 22:02:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 DEAL 0407 Arabian Snake Charmer 25mm miniature $1.99 End Date: Tuesday Jun-12-2012 10:14:08 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Plastic Snake Charmer Bracelet Costume Jewelry $5.99 End Date: Saturday Jun-16-2012 11:15:25 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge Audio CD $2.09 End Date: Wednesday May-30-2012 12:47:26 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.09 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Lego Minifigures Snake Charmer 9349 $4.00 End Date: Tuesday May-29-2012 18:22:37 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.50 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge $2.13 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 18:25:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.13 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SnakeWoman Tale of the Snake Charmer 1 Virgin Comics $2.24 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 18:44:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.24 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SnakeWoman Tale of the Snake Charmer 3 Virgin Comics $2.24 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 18:44:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.24 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SnakeWoman Tale of the Snake Charmer 4 Virgin Comics $2.24 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 18:44:53 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.24 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SnakeWoman Tale of the Snake Charmer 6 Virgin Comics $2.24 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 18:45:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.24 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Genuine LEGO NEW Snake Charmer w snake in barrel arch flute $6.41 End Date: Thursday Jun-14-2012 14:42:31 PDT Buy It Now for only: $6.41 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Lego Custom Snake Charmer Minifigure $3.99 End Date: Monday Jun-18-2012 9:38:14 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Old VINTAGE Antique CIRCUS SNAKE CHARMER Photo Reprint $5.00 End Date: Thursday Jun-7-2012 14:31:27 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKE CHARMER Old foreign Postcard 0160 $6.53 End Date: Monday Jun-11-2012 13:05:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: $6.53 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Lego Adventure Minifigures 9349 NEW Snake Charmer with Snake Accessories $4.75 End Date: Monday Jun-18-2012 7:14:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Freakshow 89 Snake Charmer Unique $4.35 End Date: Friday Jun-1-2012 21:05:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 The Snake Charmer A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge by Jamie James $3.00 End Date: Wednesday Jun-20-2012 13:04:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 BW Photo 01571 snake charmer in India plays instrument for King Cobra Snake $6.98 End Date: Sunday Jun-3-2012 15:12:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: $6.98 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer SEALED NEW OOP HK VCD Hong Kong Snake Thriller $3.99 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 20:52:07 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKE CHARMER 50s VINTAGE PINUP BURLESQUE DANCER WOMAN PIN UP SERPENT GIRL PHOTO $6.99 End Date: Monday May-28-2012 23:34:35 PDT |
 Snakewoman Vol 2 Tale of the Snake Charmer 1 6 Virgin comics full run $3.00 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 5:51:14 PDT |
 SNAKE WOMAN TALE OF THE SNAKE CHARMER 12 VFNM $3.00 End Date: Thursday Jun-7-2012 18:44:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 2 New LEGO 9349 MiniFig Set Snake Charmer Red Flute Barrel Archway $7.00 End Date: Wednesday Jun-13-2012 14:19:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: $7.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Snake Charmer Benares India Vintage Postcard $5.95 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 12:51:08 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 The Snake Charmers Daughter Paperback by Wurster Michael $3.29 End Date: Tuesday Jun-19-2012 20:44:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.29 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKEWOMAN 1 Volume 2 Tales Snake Charmer Virgin Comics $2.39 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 19:02:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.39 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKEWOMAN 6 Volume 2 Tales Snake Charmer Virgin Comics $2.49 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 20:00:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKEWOMAN 5 Volume 2 Tales Snake Charmer Virgin Comics $2.49 End Date: Sunday May-27-2012 20:00:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKEWOMAN 3 Volume 2 Tales Snake Charmer Virgin Comics $2.49 End Date: Saturday Jun-23-2012 14:34:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKEWOMAN 2 Volume 2 Tales Snake Charmer Virgin Comics $2.49 End Date: Saturday Jun-23-2012 14:41:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKEWOMAN 4 Volume 2 Tales Snake Charmer Virgin Comics $2.49 End Date: Saturday Jun-23-2012 14:46:31 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 OLIVIA De Berardinis Sexy Girl Magazine Pin Up SNAKE CHARMER ART Page $4.99 End Date: Wednesday Jun-6-2012 17:32:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage Valentine SNAKE CHARMER $7.50 End Date: Saturday Jun-23-2012 14:40:25 PDT Buy It Now for only: $7.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKEWOMAN TALES OF THE SNAKE CHARMER 1 2 3 4 5 VIRGIN 2007 VF NM $4.00 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 12:10:58 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 CEYLON SRI LANKA TEMPLE ELEPHANT SNAKE CHARMER POSTCARD $7.98 End Date: Monday May-28-2012 16:49:33 PDT Buy It Now for only: $7.98 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Ian Hunter Self Titled Jah Wobble Snake Charmer $3.99 End Date: Wednesday May-30-2012 8:56:36 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage Valentine Card of Little Boy Snake Charmer Charmed to Be Yours $8.00 End Date: Saturday May-26-2012 16:06:32 PDT Buy It Now for only: $8.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 SNAKE WOMAN TALE OF THE SNAKE CHARMER 1 4 VFNM $4.00 End Date: Friday Jun-8-2012 16:42:32 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1969 DON PRUDHOMME SNAKE CHARMER ET MAGS AD $6.00 End Date: Saturday Jun-9-2012 18:44:12 PDT Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
You can also check out Amazon for information on Snake Charmer.
 The Snake Charmer: A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge List Price: Sale Price: $4.84 You save: $20.11 (81%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days  |
 Pungi Snake Charmers Flute Like Indian Music Instrument List Price: Sale Price: $32.99 You save: $14.14 (30%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
 The Snake Charmer: A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge List Price: |
 Snake Charmer Sale Price: $0.89 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Secrets of the Snake Charmer List Price: |
 Printed Racerback Silk Cami - SNAKE CHARMER 9 (S) Sale Price: $59.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
 Pungi Snake Charmers Flute Like Indian Music Instrument, Made With Gourd Sale Price: $15.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Snake Charmer List Price: Sale Price: $1.54 You save: $11.41 (88%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Snake Charmer (Dance Remix) Sale Price: $0.89 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Day of the Dead Koko Snake Charmer Sale Price: $16.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
Would You Like to Meet a Cobra
WELL, would you? Most adults may answer no. But not a child. Fear of snakes, including the cobra, is not an instinctive trait in young children or even in animals. Aversion to snakes can be caused by information that is not reliable, exaggerated stories, myths, and misconceptions.
Of course, when we invite you to meet a cobra, we mean at a safe distance! Cobras are highly venomous, and we would not want to go up to one and hold out our hand to stroke it. Nor would the cobra be likely to wait around to greet us; on hearing our approach, it would beat a hasty retreat to a safe hiding place. So let us be satisfied to meet the cobra just by learning some fascinating facts about this interesting creature.
Cobras are reptiles of the suborder Serpentes and the family Elapidae, a name given to venomous snakes with grooved fangs. There are about 12 species of cobras scattered from Australia through the tropics of Asia and Africa to Arabia and the Temperate Zones. By far the most fearsome of the cobras is the king cobra, or hamadryad. With a length of 9 to 18 feet [3 to 5 m], this is the largest poisonous snake in the world. Preferring the dense undergrowth of jungle or swamp, where rainfall is copious, it can be found in southern China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and parts of India. A jet-black tail, bands of color on a greenish-yellow body, which turns to dark olive with age, and groups of small spots on its hood make it look quite beautiful.
Other species of cobra average from three to six feet [1 to 2 m] in length. Indigenous to India and widely distributed there, is the spectacled cobra with unique markings on its hood, which resemble a pair of spectacles. It can be black, dark brown, or yellowish-white with a wide, dark neckband and speckled white and yellow bands on the length of its body. The monocled cobra, found in Sri Lanka as well as in eastern and northeastern India, is lighter with a smaller, more round hood having a single white circle, which gives it its name. In northwest India and in Pakistan, we find a jet-black cobra. Africa has, among others, the ringhals, or the spitting cobra, and the Egyptian cobra. The latter, a dark and narrow-hooded snake, is possibly the asp to which the death of Queen Cleopatra is attributed.
Snakes mate only with their own species, being attracted by a unique musk odor. The cobra shows more family interest than other snakes, male and female often remaining together. The female king cobra is one of the few snakes known to make a nest. She scrapes leaves into a mound about one foot [30 cm] high and deposits 20 to 50 eggs in it. She then coils her body around the mound and remains there, without food, for the almost two months of incubation, the male often staying close too. Other cobras, without preparing a nest, remain near their eggs to protect them.
The baby snakes use an egg tooth, which later falls off, to slit the shell and release themselves. On emerging they are totally independent with fully-formed venom glands and fangs. They flick out their tongues frequently, taste the surroundings, and transfer chemical information to what is called the Jacobson's organ in the roof of the mouth. This is linked to the sense of smell; the combination of taste and smell helps the snake to track its prey, find a mate, or escape predators.
The young snake grows rapidly and within a short time sheds its outer skin, which has become too tight. This unusual phenomenon is repeated regularly, since the cobra keeps growing throughout its life, which can be over 20 years. For one or two weeks before the molt, the snake becomes lethargic, its skin becomes dull, and its eyes turn milky-blue. Then, suddenly, the eyes clear, and by rubbing its head on stones, the snake splits the old skin at its mouth. Now it literally crawls out of its skin as this peels off inside out, from the transparent cap over the eyes right down to the tail. Now a lively, shiny, new-looking snake is ready to go about its normal activity.
Air temperature greatly affects cobras. As the weather cools, they slow down and even become dormant, only stirring when the temperature rises. Too much heat can kill them. Except for the king cobra, which feeds on snakes, their diet is rats, mice, frogs, lizards, birds, and other small animals. After the prey is caught, an injection of venom immobilizes it. It is ingested whole, as the cobra is not equipped to chew food. The elasticity of the skin and the flexibility of the jaw allow the cobra to swallow an animal that is two or three times larger than its own head. While the mouth is totally blocked by the victim, the snake breathes by drawing the entrance to the windpipe forward beyond the obstruction, just as a swimmer uses a snorkel. Now rows of backward-curving teeth move the prey along into the snake's body. It retires to a quiet place to digest the food slowly, perhaps not eating again for several days. The cobra can live for months without eating, drawing on stored fat in its body.
Snakes are cautious. (See Matthew 10:16.) The cobra's defense lies either in escape, perhaps crawling under a rock or into its rat-hole home, or in stillness, thereby avoiding detection. Confronted, it will rear up and spread its hood, hissing to frighten the enemy. Biting is a last resort.
Snakebite
Snakebite in rural Africa and Asia often goes unreported, but worldwide it appears that about one million people are bitten each year by venomous snakes. India holds the record for fatalities around 10,000 a year perhaps the majority being from the spectacled cobra. About 10 percent of cobra bites prove fatal.
The cobra is slower than many snakes; the agile mongoose, one of its main enemies, can outmaneuver it. Leaping at the snake, then dodging the attacking strike repeatedly, the mongoose leaves the cobra unnerved and hesitant. Attacking behind the hood, he breaks its neck. Many snakes strike from a coiled position, making it hard to know their reach, but the cobra raises its body and strikes straight down. The distance can be judged, and a person can get out of range of the relatively slow movement.
Some cobras, like the ringhals, the black-necked cobra of South Africa, and cobras in northeastern India, defend themselves by spitting. Rearing up and pointing its fangs at the victim, the snake, with expelled air, can shoot out two fine sprays of venom more than six feet [2 m]. On the skin this does no damage, but if it enters the eyes, it can cause temporary blindness and, if not washed out quickly, permanent blindness. Strangely, the snake seems to be able to aim at the eyes.
Suppose a cobra does bite you, what should you do? Venom is pressed out of the poison sacs in the snake's cheeks through two short, hollow, fixed fangs in the front of the snake's jaws. These fangs puncture the skin and inject the venom the way a hypodermic syringe would. The only sure remedy for snakebite is antivenin prepared from the venom of four poisonous snakes. In the early 20th century, India was the first country to use antivenin extensively. Antivenin powder is effective for five years without refrigeration; reconstituted it is injected.
Symptoms of cobra bite are pain and swelling at the site, blurred vision, unsteadiness, paralysis of the larynx, and slowing respiration. Death ensues in about two hours if a large dose of venom has been injected and no treatment is given.
The Snake Charmer
Snake charming is a very old form of entertainment. Practiced mostly in the East, some Western circuses have incorporated this into their repertoire. Because of its unusual hood and nervous disposition, the spectacled cobra is the most popular snake used, but other impressive-looking snakes, like the royal snake and the red sand boa, are also used. As the charmer, a skilled showman, plays his pipes, the cobra rises from its basket and spreads its hood into its normal defensive position. Movements by the snake charmer cause a reaction in the snake as it keeps an eye on him, always being ready to attack. Most cobras used by snake charmers have their fangs removed, but some men risk working with venomous snakes.
In ancient India the itinerant snake charmer was also a relater of religious ideas and myths, which gave him popular appeal. Today it is more lucrative to have a performance outside hotels frequented by camera-happy tourists. Some snake charmers visit homes and inform the householder that his large garden is a likely spot for snakes. For an agreed sum, he offers to catch them. He disappears into the bushes, and after some time, during which the sound of his pipes can be heard, he returns with a bagful of snakes. Of course, the householder would have been wise to supervise him or at least to check whether he brought a bag of snakes with him!
Snake Parks Educate
Snake parks encourage interest in reptiles. They sponsor research, educate on snakebite prevention and cure, and work for the protection of snakes from man's greed and ignorance. Cobras have been killed for their beautiful skins, which are made into belts, purses, shoes, and other luxury items. In one year more than ten million snakes were killed in India for the skin industry. Snakes are killed and then skinned immediately. Vegetable dyes are used in India to give the skin color, and it is glass-polished and sometimes sprayed with lacquer to make it shiny and water-repellent.
The value of the cobra cannot be overestimated. It saves tons of grain by killing rats and other vermin. Its venom provides antivenins, painkillers, and other medicines. The Tata Memorial Cancer Institute in Bombay is studying the effect of cobra venom on cancer cells.
Have you enjoyed meeting the cobra? Beautiful, useful, cautious, well-equipped to defend itself. Getting to know it better can help us to appreciate a much-maligned member of the animal kingdom.
Cobra Worship and Superstition
COBRA worship has existed from ancient times. The cobra motif has been found on seals at Mohenjo-Daro, one of the oldest civilizations to be unearthed by archaeologists. From the third millennium B.C.E. down to today, millions in India have viewed cobras with superstitious reverence. Interestingly, many of the cobra stories can be recognized as distorted myths built around actual historical happenings.
A creation "story" tells of a time when there was no light in the universe. From dark cosmic waters the brilliant god Vishnu was created first, then heaven, earth, and the underworld. From the leftover material, a gigantic cobra called Shesha (meaning remaining part) was created. Myth credits Shesha with from 5 to 1,000 heads, and images depict Vishnu reclining on the coiled Shesha, sheltered by the open hoods of Shesha's many heads. Earthquakes are attributed to Shesha's yawn, and fire from his mouth or his venom destroys the world at the end of an age.
Hindu mythology depicts a cobra-race called Nagas, who inhabit the underworld, Nagalok or Patala. The ape-god Hanuman claims that in the "Perfect Age," all men were saintly, there was only one religion, and there were no demons or Nagas. The serpents became the guardians of the earth's wealth and possessed great knowledge and magical powers. Shesha, sometimes also called Vasuki, was used by the gods to churn a sea of milk to produce amrit, a nectar that would give immortality. The underworld, ruled by the Nagas, is portrayed as a most desirable place; warriors who die in battle are promised unimaginable pleasures there.
However, not all mythical cobras are considered benign. One "story" relates an encounter between Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, and Kaliya, a great, malignant demon-cobra. Images show the victorious Krishna with his foot on the head of the great serpent.
Manasa, or Durgamma, queen of the Nagas, is worshiped by women to protect their children from snakebite. On the festival of Nagapanchami, snake devotees pour milk and even blood on images of cobras and down snake holes. Stone or silver images of cobras are worshiped and offered at temples by women hoping to conceive a male child.
The Cobra in Films
The cobra of mythology is a very popular theme in films made in India more than 40 having been produced since 1928. Usually the cobra is depicted as a guardian of goodness, a helper of its devotees, and a destroyer of the wicked. Popular is the myth of the Icchadari cobras, which are said to have the power to take human form. They are said to have one devoted mate. If the mate is killed, the cobra is able to see the image of the killer in the dead snake's eyes, and it sets off on a trail of revenge. This becomes a lively base for many films. Dominating the story are the snake dances; with music like that of the snake charmer, the dancers imitate the movement of the snake, even slithering on the ground.
A documentary movie, Shakti, was filmed at a festival in Rajasthan, India, where every August hundreds of thousands of snake worshipers meet in the desert. Under a burning sun and in temperatures reaching over 122 degrees Fahrenheit [50°C.], they flagellate themselves with iron rods and crawl on their stomachs more than a mile [2 km] on the scorching sand to the temple of a snake-god, Gogha. A historical king in the tenth century C.E., Gogha is said to have saved his people from Muslim invaders by leading the enemy into a snake-infested area, where the army was decimated by snakebites.
Saved by the Cobra
Two families in Sastur village in India have reason to be grateful to a cobra. They were wakened about 3:50 a.m. on September 30, 1993, by the loud hissing of a cobra as it slithered out of their house. They chased it into the fields to kill it. At 4:00 a.m., the horrendous earthquake in central India flattened their village killing almost everyone. The two families survived thanks to the early-warning system of the cobra!
About the Author
Did you find this article informative and useful? You can learn and read a lot more articles at this site. http://www.pythonsnake.net
Thanks for visiting!