Latest / Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift
One Itchy Cow That Might Teach Us a Lesson on Free Time
Cow tool use intelligence wasn't supposed to be a thing. You've seen dogs rub against trees and otters smash clams with rocks, but that's single-purpose problem solving. Veronica, an Austrian cow living on a baker's farm, uses one brush in different ways depending on where she itches. Blunt end for sensitive spots. Bristle end for deep scratches. She holds it in her mouth, clamps down, directs it consciously. Only chimps and humans have shown this kind of goal-oriented tool flexibility. Until now.
Why Veronica and not every other cow? She has time and space. Beautiful green Austrian pastures…
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