It’s a common misconception that humans are the only species on Earth that uses tools. In reality, a growing number of animals — everything from our close primate relatives to pigs and even octopi — have been observed using tools.
Some of these examples, such as primates choosing the right rocks to break open nuts, are clear examples of tool use. Others are more disputed. What really makes a tool a tool, after all? Can spider webs be considered tools to trap insects? What about if a spider uses its web to make a diving-bell like device that traps oxygen pockets underwater that the spider can later make use of?
Questionable examples aside, many researchers do believe that some species can use tools. And in any case, the animals themselves aren’t concerned about the human definition of tool use. Below are a few animals that make use of external objects to achieve their goals.
