What Are “Snakes in a Can” in NYT Connections?
“Snakes in a can” are prank toys made with spring-loaded fake snakes compressed inside a container.
When the lid is removed, the springs expand and the fake snakes jump out.
In NYT Connections #1201 for September 24, 2026, SNAKES IN A CAN belongs with BOBBLEHEAD, POGO STICK and TRAMPOLINE in the group THINGS WITH SPRING/S.
Quick answer
What are snakes in a can? A spring-loaded prank toy.
Are the snakes real? No.
Why are they in this Connections group? The fake snakes contain compressed springs that expand when the container opens.
Official group THINGS WITH SPRING/S
How does a snakes-in-a-can prank work?
The fake snakes are built around flexible springs.
They are compressed down into the container and held in place by the lid.
Opening the container removes that restraint, allowing the springs to expand.
That sudden expansion makes the fake snakes pop upward.
Some versions are disguised as food or snack containers, but the exact packaging varies by product.
Why does SNAKES IN A CAN fit with BOBBLEHEAD, POGO STICK and TRAMPOLINE?
The shared idea is SPRING or SPRINGS.
SNAKES IN A CAN The fake snakes are spring-loaded and pop out when released.
BOBBLEHEAD The head is commonly mounted on a flexible spring-like connector that lets it wobble.
POGO STICK The classic form uses a spring mechanism to help produce the bounce.
TRAMPOLINE Common trampoline designs use springs around the jumping mat.
The puzzle is using the mechanical meaning of spring, not the season.
Why might SNAKES IN A CAN look strange on the board?
If you have never seen the prank toy, the phrase can sound like a literal container of snakes.
The important clue is that this is the name of a novelty gag item.
Once you know the fake snakes are built around springs, the group becomes much easier to see.
Evidence
Sources
- NYT Connections — September 24, 2026 puzzle data
- US Novelty — Three Snake Can
- WKAR / Michigan State University — Spring Snakes in a Can