US EditionAustrian Cow Becomes First Cattle Ever Documented Using Tools
Veronika, a 13-year-old Austrian cow, demonstrated multi-purpose tool use over 76 trials, selecting brush ends to scratch different body parts, marking a first in cattle cognition studies.
- On January 19, Current Biology reported that Veronika, a pet Swiss Brown cow, uses both ends of a deck brush to scratch herself, as detailed by the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna.
- Witgar Wiegele first noticed stick-scratching more than 10 years ago, initiating long-term observation that led Alice Auersperg to visit Veronika's farm in Nötsch im Gailtal.
- In controlled trials researchers found Veronika consistently selected the deck brush end suited for body regions, using the bristled end for firm areas and the smooth handle for sensitive parts, manipulating it precisely with her tongue and teeth.
- Authors say this discovery suggests cows' cognitive abilities have been underestimated, marking the first reported tool use in a cow, and the research team plans further study and invites members of the public to report sightings.
- Compared with other species, multipurpose tool use is extraordinarily rare and has been documented convincingly only in chimpanzees; Veronika's behavior prompts comparisons to Gary Larson's 'Cow Tools' cartoon.
134 Articles
134 Articles
Scientists Suddenly Discover That Cow Tools Are Real
After more than forty years, a bizarre panel from “The Far Side” comic strip has finally become prophecy. The cartoon depicts a strangely eye-less, bipedal cow standing in front of a bench of oddly-shaped objects, with the caption “Cow tools,” and no further context. The “joke” — that cows are too stupid to make practical tools? — landed so flat that the cartoonist Gary Larson issued a public statement explaining it after readers swamped newspap…
“What makes her unique is that she uses an object as a multifunctional tool,” says an Austrian professor of veterinary medicine.
A cow to cook with a vase? Austrian scientists have personally confirmed that it was not artificial intelligence. Veronika has even unusual skills for the species.
For the first time, a domestic cow was observed using a broom to scratch itself. Veronika, a brown cow from the Alps, is 13 years old.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
