New Study Finds Grizzly Bears Able To Use Tools

A new study has made some startling revelations about bear intelligence. The study undertaken by Washington State University, placed some doughnuts on a string that were deliberately out of reach of grizzly bears. Of the eight bears that were tested, six pushed stumps or plastic boxes under the treats to boost themselves up to receive their prize.

Whilst this kind of use of tools is primitive, it does show that bears have cognitive thinking skills and are able to creatively problem solve.

“Cognition is really describing the part of the brain that actually thinks, rather than reacting based on instinct or emotion. In this case, it’s thinking about solving a problem by manipulating an inanimate object.” said veterinarian Lynne Nelson, assistant director of the Washington State University (WSU) Bear Research Education and Conservation Centre.

Before beginning the test to see if the bears were able to manipulate objects, the researchers treated the bears to doughnuts placed on a string swaying on a stump. Doughnuts do not form a regular part of their diet, so the initial training enabled the bears to make the mental connection between a sweet reward and standing on the stump.

Then, the researchers took away easy access and replaced the doughnut.

Eight bears were tested, three female grizzlies and five males. Six bears were raised at the centre itself whilst two bears had problems and came from other locations. Only the six bears who were born at WSU managed to pass the test. A few of the bears chose bulky items in their play area in order to reach the treat whilst one bear even tried to stack objects.

“Their timing in getting this down has been very quick. It has rivalled that of primates.” Dr. Nelson said.

Dr. Nelson added that whilst scientists have seen other bears use tools, they have never studied the behaviour in a research setting.