20 Animals Who Use Tools – From Cows to Crows
There’s evidence of yet another species using tools. A cow in Austria used a broom to scratch herself – the first documented tool use in her species.
The cow, named Veronika, was seen picking up a broom with her mouth to scratch various parts of her body, using the bristled end for the tough skin on her back and the smooth handle for more delicate areas. She also used her tongue to reposition the broom when it was at an awkward angle.
Some people were surprised by the news, which was published in Current Biology, as they had no idea cows were so intelligent. That’s because, unlike Veronika, most cows spend miserable lives trapped in factory farms, with no access to tools or the freedom to use them.
Veronika’s story is a reminder that all cows are intelligent, curious, and have remarkable problem-solving skills. Just like Veronika, they all deserve to be left in peace, not to be killed for their flesh or skins, or to be exploited for their mammary secretions.
Tool Use in Animals
Tool use is seen as a key marker of intelligence in animals. It shows they can solve problems by manipulating objects in purposeful, flexible ways. Observations of animals selecting and adapting tools suggest advanced cognitive abilities that go beyond instinctive behaviour.
All animals are someone, not something, and are capable of incredible feats when they’re given the chance. It’s impossible to ignore how much we have in common with our fellow animals or to justify eating, confining, and otherwise exploiting them.
Animals Who Use Tools
Many animals regularly use tools to solve problems and meet their needs. There are likely many more like Veronika – who have the ability to use them but are denied the freedom to.
Unsurprisingly, the list of animals who use tools mostly consists of species who are left to their own devices.
Birds
Crows
Some crows (most notably New Caledonian crows) use twigs to extract food from crevices, and they also use their beaks to whittle hooks at the end of sticks for easier access.
Egyptian Vultures
Egyptian vultures throw stones at ostrich eggs to break them open, as these are often too tough for their beaks.
Woodpecker Finches
Woodpecker finches use cactus spines as probes to pull insects from tree bark. This helps them survive in harsh environments with limited food.
Ravens and Other Corvids
Ravens use sticks, stones, and even traffic to crack nuts. Their playful intelligence often blurs the line between problem solving and experimentation.
Primates
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees craft and modify sticks to fish for termites, crack nuts with stones, and and even use leaves as sponges. Just like humans, they pass down learnings about tool use through generations.
Bonobos
Bonobos use leaves to gather water or use them as umbrellas during rainfalls.
Gorillas
Gorillas have been seen using branches to test water depth – or even support themselves as walking sticks!
Orangutans
Orangutans are master innovators, using sticks to extract insects, fashioning leafy gloves to handle spiny fruits, and even creating makeshift umbrellas.
Capuchin Monkeys
Capuchins are famous for using stones as hammers and anvils to crack nuts. They select the best stones for the job, distinguishing which shapes and sizes will best help.
Crab-Eating Macaques
These macaques, also known for learned cultural behaviours, use stones to open shellfish and have even been observed washing food.
Other Mammals
Elephants
Elephants use branches to swat flies, scratch themselves, or rearrange and move objects to reach food.
Dolphins
Some dolphins wear marine sponges on their snouts to protect themselves while foraging on the seafloor. This learned behaviour is passed down through generations.
Sea Otters
Sea otters famously use stones as anvils to crack open shellfish on their chests. Their tool use is well-documented and often essential to their survival.
Bears
Bears have been observed using rocks to scratch themselves or get food. They may also use them to remove food remains from their fur.
Marine Animals
Wrasse Fish
Wrasse fish use rocks as anvils to smash open clams, proving that fish are cleverer than most humans give them credit for.
Octopuses
Octopuses collect coconut shells and seashells to use as portable shelters, carrying them across the seafloor. They were recently filmed throwing shells at each other.
Insects
Ants
Some ant species use sand, leaves, or debris to soak up and transport liquid food.
Bees
Certain bees have been known to smear faeces of other animals over the entrance of their hives to defer predators.
Bonus: Humans!
Did you forget that we are animals too? Humans are the most well-known species to use tools, but tools didn’t originate with us – as you can see from this list, we are simply one among many other species who use objects to survive or improve our lives.
Every Animal Is Someone
Animals don’t belong to us and we have no right to exploit them for our own ends. Download our free empathy kit today to learn more about just how amazing animals are and how you can have a life-saving impact on them.
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