Can You Solve the Snake Escape Puzzle?

AI Summary

A challenging puzzle asks readers to design escape passages for two snakes of different lengths in a cage, with specific constraints on which snake can use which passage. The puzzle is part of a regular feature in The Guardian that presents mathematical and logical challenges to readers.

The Lead

Today's puzzle from The Guardian challenges readers to design escape passages for two snakes of different lengths in a cage. The puzzle requires creating two passages that allow each snake to escape independently while preventing the other from using the same passage.

The Puzzle Challenge

Snakes in a cage

Two snakes of equal width are in a cage. One is long and the other is short.

Design two escape passages, A and B, that lead from the bottom of the cage such that:

The short snake can escape down A, but the long one can't.
The long snake can escape down B, but the short one can't.

The Constraints

The passages must have no moving parts, trapdoors or levers. Assume that the snakes have circular cross-sections, and the diameter is the same at all points along their bodies. The snakes can wiggle but they cant squeeze through passages that are narrower than they are wide.

The Solution Preview

The author will return at 5pm UK time with solutions to this intriguing puzzle. Readers are asked not to post spoilers in the comments section while they work on solving the challenge.