Why do rattlesnakes have rattles? — Geoff of Pagosa Springs, CO

Dear Geoff,

There are not always answers to our "why" questions. Science is based upon watching things happen. Scientists can watch an animal and learn how it uses its special features (like rattles), but they cannot be sure why it has that feature.

Scientists know that rattlesnakes use their rattles to sound a warning when they feel threatened. This is the way God designed them. But why didn’t God give all snakes this special warning feature? Why didn’t God give rattlesnakes some other way to sound a warning? We might never know the answer to some of these questions. One day, science might give us the answer. If not, we can ask God in heaven!