I have written about the ways various family dogs have learned to use tools: Orly ringing a bell, not only to prod me to let her in and out, but as a way to help her sister. (Never mind that as an adult, she refuses to use the bell…). Going even farther back in history, Koala devised a tool to hold her antler still for chewing, while Cali used the backyard to hold her antler.

I was excited about these examples of dogs’ creativity, smarts, and problem-solving skill. And I wondered whether all dogs — and their ancestors, wolves — could use tools.

I now have an answer!

A study published in November shows wolves using tools: They have been captured on camera intentionally and repeatedly tugging a rope to pull up a crab trap, then breaking into the traps to steal and eat the bait. So far, two different wolves have been captured (on camera) raiding the traps.

Since Jane Goodall first wrote about Chimpanzees using tools in 1960, other non-humans have been found to use tools, including elephants, crows, dolphins, octopuses, and even ants!

So far, the animals’ tool use tends to be self-serving, but I am hoping to convince Orly to pitch in around the house at some point. She thinks the vacuum is scary, but maybe she’s willing to try her paw at shoveling snow?