Just as it fools the mongoose and other predators into attacking its tail while the head seeks escape, a large percentage of humans are also fooled. Pregnant women loose their eyesight if they see a snake. This is not true. Snakes hold their own tail in their mouth, form a coil and chase people. Snakes use their tails as whips.
Pythons suck their prey from a distance.
Many of our old traditions respect flora and fauna. These sacred traditions had a meaning and were observed thoughtfully. For example, worshipping the banyan tree during vata poornima , or worshipping bullocks. But somewhere down the line, these traditions lost their meaning and became plain ceremonies and rituals. Similarly, Nag Panchami is celebrated with fervor.