Chimp & See Talk

Do elephants use tools?

  • Snorticus by Snorticus

    I wondered if this elephant is possibly digging with this wood - do elephants use tools?

    Posted

  • NuriaM by NuriaM scientist, moderator

    Hi @Snorticus,

    I don´t think this ele. is digging a hole. In my opinion, s/he is just playing, smelling, etc.

    They do dig holes but with their tusks if they have them, or sometimes with their feet as well.

    They do make and use tools, for example wood pieces or sticks to scratch themselves; look at this beautiful one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaFIUYGx-sU

    Sometimes they throw wood pieces or stones away to check a possible danger, but this is not the case, as s/he looks very relaxed...

    Posted