Watch: Wolf outsmarts crab trap for a snack in what may be first tool use by a wild canid

Clever Wolf Raids Crab Trap in Deep Water, Hinting at First Wild Tool Use (Image: Heiltsuk Wolf and Biodiversity Project.)

A lone wolf in coastal Canada has surprised researchers with unusual behaviour caught on camera. The animal did not lunge at prey or chase it across forest trails. Instead, it moved with quiet intention, as if following steps only it understood.

How did the wolf reach a trap under deep water?
A camera in remote British Columbia recorded a female wolf swimming towards a crab trap in May 2024. The trap had been placed as part of a programme removing European green crabs. Researchers found traps dragged ashore earlier and believed a marine predator was responsible.

What did the video show when reviewed later?
The wolf pulled the floating buoy to shore using steady force. She then hauled in the long line connected to the submerged trap. Once the trap reached land, she bit through its netting to reach the bait inside.

Researchers said the wolf completed several steps in clear order. They described the sequence as careful and deliberate. The behaviour is listed in Ecology and Evolution as “the first known potential tool use in wild wolves”.

How Did Experts React to the Video?
Kyle Artelle, an environmental biologist at the State University of New York, said he “could not believe” the recorded footage. He called the actions “really intelligent” and “incredible”.

The work was done with the Heiltsuk First Nation. The team had studied the traps for years after bait was often removed. Because traps sat in deep water even at low tide, a land predator seemed unlikely.

What might explain such unusual behaviour?
Researchers noted wolves in the area face fewer threats. They said the animal may have learnt the method by trial and error. They added they do not yet know how common such actions are among wild wolves.

Could other wolves show similar skill?
Experts said further monitoring is needed. They hope future recordings will confirm how wolves interact with traps or other coastal tools.

The video offers a rare view of a wolf solving a complex task. It raises new questions about wolf intelligence, coastal habits and learning in isolated landscapes.