Video Shows Wolf Going to Great Lengths for a Snack

Canine drags crab trap out of water, sparking debate over animal tool use

A recent video captured a lone wolf in British Columbia pulling an entire crab trap from the sea to snatch a morsel of bait. The animal’s determination was evident as it hauled the heavy metal cage onto the shore, using its powerful jaws and fore‑paws to maneuver the device before finally extracting a small crab.

Researchers who reviewed the footage say the scene provides a striking example of problem‑solving behavior that borders on tool use. “We have long known wolves are intelligent hunters, but this is one of the clearest instances of an individual using an object in its environment to obtain food,” noted Dr. Elena Martínez, a wildlife biologist at the University of Victoria.

While some scientists caution against labeling the act as true tool use—arguing that the wolf may have simply been exploiting an accidental opportunity—others point out that the animal’s deliberate manipulation of the trap demonstrates a level of cognitive flexibility rarely documented in wild canids.

The video has ignited discussion across the scientific community and among the public, highlighting how even well‑studied predators can surprise us with novel behaviors. As researchers continue to monitor wolf populations, moments like this remind us that the line between instinct and ingenuity in the animal kingdom is often thinner than we think.