Chimps use spears to hunt for vertebrates

Mark Frauenfelder 10:20 am Thu Feb 22, 2007

Jill Pruetz at Iowa State University has observed chimpanzees using spears to hunt for bushbabies. Says New Scientist, "It is the first time an animal has been seen using a tool to hunt a vertebrate."

Chimps were observed thrusting their spears into hollow trunks and branches with enough force to injure anything inside the holes, Pruetz's research team says. The chimps used a "power grip" and made multiple downward stabs – much the same way as a human might wield a dagger.

Ten different chimps in the population were observed to perform this behaviour in 22 bouts. In one case the researchers saw a chimp remove a dead bushbaby and eat it.

Link (Thanks, Matt!)

Previously on Boing Boing:

• Club-wielding chimpanzee spotted in LA suburb

• Jane Goodall on human-like behavior in chimps

• Chimps attack humans at ape sanctuary

• Video: Chimp plays Ms. Pac Man

• Oliver the Humanzee

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