Researchers in British Columbia have captured video evidence of wild wolves exhibiting potential tool use by pulling crab traps out of the sea to access the bait inside. The findings were detailed in a report published in the scientific journal Ecology and Evolution by Kyle Artelle and Paul Paquet. The study focused on the damage observed on Heiltsuk First Nation crab traps near Bella Bella on B.C.’s central coast, initially thought to be caused by marine mammals due to the traps being submerged in deep water.
The researchers, including Artelle from the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, were puzzled by the repeated damage to the traps and ruled out animals like bears or wolves due to the traps’ underwater location. Setting up cameras on the beach, the team discovered that sea wolves were responsible for the trap disturbances.
The video footage captured a sea wolf retrieving a buoy from the water, pulling the trap to the shore using the exposed line, and consuming the bait. Subsequently, another sea wolf was observed employing a similar technique, indicating potential social learning within the wolf pack. Sea wolves are a subspecies of grey wolves known for their marine-based diet.
The researchers speculate that the behavior may have originated with wolves interacting with traps during low tides, gradually learning to associate the line and buoy with the trap. To further understand this unique behavior, ongoing monitoring with dedicated cameras at the site is in progress. Artelle emphasized the importance of studying these wolf behaviors to gain insights and learn from nature. The study has drawn comparisons to pioneering research on tool use in other mammals, such as chimpanzees, by renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, highlighting the intelligence and adaptability of wolves.