Wolf drags crab trap for bait in wild study, raising new doubts about animal intelligence

Published on 24 April 2026

Experts call it a possible first for tool use

In British Columbia, a female gray wolf was filmed dragging an underwater crab trap onto shore to reach herring bait. Researchers, drawing on Indigenous knowledge, say the behavior could be the first documented tool use by a wild wolf. The finding challenges the long-held view of how much problem-solving and intelligence wolves display in nature.

A gray wolf was seen pulling an underwater trap for bait
Researchers suggest it may be the first wild wolf tool use
Indigenous knowledge helped uncover and interpret the behavior
Findings could reshape ideas about wolf cognition

#animal intelligence #wildlife #british columbia #gray wolf #tool use

Read the full story at The Economic Times

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Wolf drags crab trap for bait in wild study, raising new doubts about animal intelligence

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