JOURNAL ARTICLE

Have wild wolves learned to use tools?: Video captures a lone female pulling crab traps out of the water, but does it count as tool use?

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Jacobs, Phie 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses a remarkable observation of a female wolf in British Columbia's Haíɫzaqv Nation territory, which appears to demonstrate tool use by retrieving crab traps from the water and consuming the bait inside. This behavior, captured on remote camera footage, suggests a level of cognitive sophistication typically associated with primates and other intelligent species. While the classification of this action as tool use is debated among scientists, it highlights the wolf's problem-solving abilities and adaptability, potentially influenced by the unique, non-persecuted environment in which these wolves live. Ongoing research aims to further explore the cognitive and emotional complexities of wolves in this region. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/11, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:189414819
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