Riddles With Answers

Which war was triggered by the shooting of a pig?

Trojan War
Pig War
Six-Day War
The War of 1812

Fact: The Pig War of 1859 was a confrontation between the United States and Britain on the San Juan Islands. The conflict began when an American farmer shot a pig belonging to a British settler after it wandered into his garden and ate his potatoes. Tensions quickly escalated, with both sides sending troops to the islands. For months, U.S. soldiers and British naval forces faced each other, yet no shots were fired beyond the unlucky pig. Eventually, cooler heads prevailed, and the dispute was settled peacefully through arbitration by Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm I, who awarded the San Juan Islands to the United States.

Correct Answer: Pig War

Which show featured Derek Hough performing as a Savannah Banana?

A Dancing with the Stars
B America’s Got Talent
C The Voice

Fact: Derek Hough, known for his roles on DWTS, performed playfully as a Savannah Banana showcasing his versatility and humor.

Correct Answer: Dancing with the Stars

What is the highest posted speed limit currently found in the United States?

70 mph
7 5mph
80 mph
85 mph

Fact: …While most U.S. states set their maximum highway speed limits between 65 and 75 miles per hour, a few areas push the limits higher. Certain stretches of rural freeways in states like Montana, Utah, and Texas allow speeds up to 80 mph. But Texas stands alone in having the fastest posted speed limit in the nation: 85 mph on a designated stretch of State Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio. This makes it the fastest legal roadway in the United States, surpassing even the famed autobahn-style roads of other countries.

Correct Answer: 85 mph

In which country is it the year 2018?

Iran
Nepal
Ethiopia
Thailand

Fact: Ethiopia follows the Ethiopian calendar, which is derived from the ancient Coptic system. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, it has 13 months—12 months of 30 days and one short month of 5 or 6 days. The Ethiopian calendar also lags about 7–8 years behind the Gregorian one, which is why Ethiopia was in 2018 when most of the world observed 2025. Other nations like Iran, Nepal, and Thailand do use traditional calendars alongside the Gregorian system, but only Ethiopia’s remains the official national calendar, creating this striking difference in the year count.

Correct Answer: Ethiopia

How much did the United States pay Russia in 1867 to purchase Alaska?

$7.2 million
$117.4 million
$314.7 million
$1.3 billion

Fact: In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a deal often referred to as “Seward’s Folly” after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the treaty. At the time, many Americans considered the territory barren and worthless, mocking the purchase as a waste of money. However, the acquisition proved to be an incredible bargain, as Alaska later became a rich source of natural resources such as gold, oil, and fish. Today, it is regarded as one of the most shrewd land purchases in U.S. history.

Correct Answer: $7.2 million

What is the name of the distinctive look of 1950s diners?

Fact: …“Googie” is the name given to the then-futuristic look found in gas stations, restaurants, and motels across America in the 1950s (not to mention Disney’s Tomorrowland). The name came from a distinctive coffee shop called Googie in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Correct Answer: Googie

Route 66, one of America’s most famous highways, has an alternate name honoring which legendary actor?

Will Rogers
Gene Autry
John Wayne
Ronald Reagan

Fact: U.S. Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America,” was officially dedicated in 1926 and became an iconic symbol of cross-country travel. In 1952, the highway was also given the honorary title The Will Rogers Highway, in memory of the beloved humorist, actor, and social commentator. Rogers, who was one of the most popular entertainers of the early 20th century, embodied the spirit of adventure and Americana that Route 66 came to represent. The dedication linked his legacy with the open road, cementing his place in American cultural geography.

Correct Answer: Will Rogers

What role do sea otters play in coastal ecosystems?

A They act as predators of kelp forests.
B They help control sea urchin populations.
C They are top predators of fish.

Fact: Sea otters feed on sea urchins, which can devastate kelp forests when their populations are unchecked. By maintaining a balanced sea urchin population, sea otters play a crucial role in the health of coastal ecosystems.

Correct Answer: They help control sea urchin populations.

What unique behaviour do sea otters exhibit while floating?

A They build nests onshore.
B They hold paws to stay connected.
C They engage in group hunting.

Fact: Sea otters are often seen floating in groups, or ‘rafts,’ where they hold paws to prevent drifting apart. This behaviour not only strengthens social bonds but also provides safety from predators.

Correct Answer: They hold paws to stay connected.

What danger do sea otters face that can affect their survival?

A Competition from dolphins.
B Oil spills in their habitat.
C Excessive sunlight exposure.

Fact: Oil spills are particularly harmful to sea otters since their fur is not waterproof. Oil can damage their insulation, making it difficult for them to maintain body heat, which poses a serious threat to their survival.

Correct Answer: Oil spills in their habitat.