"Researchers have revealed that wily sea wolves had retrieved the traps, swimming to the depths to haul in the float, dragging the ropes ashore in a series of quick and deliberate tugs that underscored what ecologist Kyle Artelle described as highly efficient and focused behaviour. The startling discovery and potential use of tools broadens our understanding of wolf intelligence and gives a glimpse at the delightful surprises that emerge when predators coexist with humans."
"For more than a decade, the community of Bella Bella has battled European green crabs. Introduced to California more than three decades ago, the invasive and ruthless crustacean has been moving northward, devastating clam beds and eelgrass ecosystems, which are a key source of shelter for young fish. In the case of the Heiltusk, the legacy of a toxic diesel spill in the region has bolstered the ability for the opportunistic green crabs to thrive."
Remote camera footage showed sea wolves locating and retrieving crab traps, swimming to depth to haul floats and dragging ropes ashore with quick, deliberate tugs. The behavior demonstrated efficiency, focus, and possible use of tools, expanding views of wolf intelligence. The Heiltusk First Nation and Haizaqv Guardians deployed traps in intertidal and deeper waters to monitor invasive European green crabs that have devastated clam beds and eelgrass ecosystems. A legacy diesel spill increased conditions favoring green crabs near Bella Bella. Damaged traps with teeth marks and missing bait led to the camera deployment that revealed the sea wolves' actions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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