Archive · 27 Nov 2025
Wolf Uses Fishing Tools in Groundbreaking Discovery
Scientists found a wolf using a crab trap to get food.
This is the first time a wild wolf has been seen using a tool like this.
The wolf swam to a buoy, pulled the trap to shore, and took the bait out.
Experts are amazed because this shows the wolf is very smart and can solve problems.
Some scientists are still discussing if this counts as true tool use, but everyone agrees it's very interesting.
The wolf's actions were recorded on camera, and the video shows how carefully the wolf did everything.
This discovery helps us understand more about how smart wolves can be.
A wild wolf was recorded using a crab trap to fish, marking the first documented example of tool use by a wild wolf.
The footage was captured in May 2024 on the central coast of British Columbia and published in November 2025.
The wolf swam to a buoy, pulled the trap to shore, and retrieved the bait cup to feast on its contents.
Researchers describe the behavior as 'carefully choreographed,' showing a clear understanding of cause and effect.
Some scientists debate whether this behavior qualifies as true tool use, as traditional definitions require fabrication or modification of the tool.
- Who
- Scientists and researchers from the Haíɫzaqv Nation
- What
- A wild wolf using a crab trap as a tool to fish
- When
- Discovered in May 2024, published in November 2025
- Where
- Central coast of British Columbia
- Why
- To retrieve bait from the crab trap for food
- Location
- Central coast of British Columbia
- Date of Discovery
- May 2024
- Publication Date
- November 2025
- Researchers
- Haíɫzaqv Nation and ecologist Kyle Artelle
- Tool Used
- Crab trap with bait
- Animal Involved
- Female wolf