I believe that mankind has long underestimated animals. We often feel that because they don't think or speak like us, they somehow lack intelligence. However, animals have been proving us wrong for years. The more we learn about their communication and capabilities, the more we see how brilliant they are. Now, researchers have discovered something fascinating: Wolves may be smart enough to use tools.
Are Wolves Smart Enough To Use Tools?
Photo via Chase D'animulls/Shutterstock
Some animal researchers are in debate. The argument centers around whether wolves are tool-savvy or just resourceful. Cowboy State Daily shares wolves have been stealing "bait from underwater crab traps in British Columbia." Certain researchers claim that their theft amounts to tool use. However, wolf experts disagree.
The outlet shares that while Rocky Mountain wolf experts agree the resourcefulness is impressive, to call it tool use is a bit of a stretch. When the bait first went missing, researchers set up cameras to discover what was happening to it. One of the cameras caught a wolf in the act. The footage showed a female wolf swimming up to the trap buoy. She dragged the buoy to land and "pulled the line to retrieve the trap." Once she retrieved the trap, she helped herself to the bait that was inside.
Researchers argued that her ingenious theft method demonstrated tool use.
Wolf Experts Are Not Convinced
Wolf expert Rick McIntyre spoke with Cowboy State Daily about the video and the wolf's "tool use". When speaking to the outlet, he shared his thoughts on the matter. "I don't quite get why they're calling it tool use," he argued. "The only thing the wolf did was pull on the rope to drag in the bait."
Given his explanation, I am curious to see what constitutes actual tool use. Does he expect the wolf to pick up a hammer and try to smash the trap? Regardless of whether the wolf's act fits the category of tool use, everyone agrees it was most impressive. McIntyre explained that the feat was even more impressive given the fact that the wolf could not see the food, yet knew it was there.
"You have to wonder, what was the sequence of events that led to that, over time?" he questioned. "You (the wolf) are smart enough to understand that even though you can't see the reward, you're going to get it if you pull on the rope." Wolves truly are clever creatures.
