In British Columbia, scientists have videoed wolves hauling in crab traps set by humans in order to nibble on the tasty bait inside of the traps.
The mystery of the teeth marks on the traps, after they were pulled to shore, was finally revealed with the use of a remote camera.
According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the sea wolves would swim to the depths to pull on the floats and drag the ropes ashore, tugging as they pulled in “a highly efficient and focused behavior.” Basically, scientists are amazed how smart these predators are. Scientists say the footage suggests wild wolves are even smarter than initially thought.
In less than three minutes, the female efficiently and purposefully executed a complicated sequence of events to achieve a specific goal. She appeared to know that the trap contained food, even though it was hidden underwater, and she seemed to understand exactly which steps she needed to take to access that food.
Ecologist Kyle Artelle published his findings in the scientific journal Ecology and Evolution with co-author Paul Paquet along with the collaboration of Heiltsuk First Nation. Watching the video, Artelle says it offers a new understanding of wolf cognition; so in order to outsmart wolves, people need to build better crab traps.
Green crabs, which were introduced in California 30 years ago have been an invasive and destructive crustacean feeding on clam bed and parts of the ecosystem. Traps have been placed in strategic spots to curb the crustaceans.
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