Gray wolf reeled in a crab trap with a rope
12 days ago
- #animal behavior
- #tool use
- #wildlife
- A gray wolf in the Ha�zaqv Nation was observed swimming to a buoy, reeling it in, and pulling an underwater trap to shore to eat the bait.
- This behavior, captured on video, may qualify as tool use—a phenomenon never before documented in wolves.
- The traps were initially set by the Ha�zaqv Nation to catch invasive European green crabs but were being raided by the wolf.
- Scientists debate whether the wolf's actions constitute tool use, hinging on the definition of tool use.
- Some definitions include rope pulling as tool use if done with intent, while others exclude it unless the animal manipulates the rope itself.
- Regardless of the classification, the wolf's clever behavior is widely acknowledged.