Dolphins can learn from peers how to use shells as tools

The marine mammal learns how to hunt from mom, but not always, a study suggests

bottlenose dolphin carrying a shell

Some bottlenose dolphins in Australia’s Shark Bay use shells to collect lunch. A dolphin will trap underwater prey in large sea snail shells, carry the shell to the surface and shake the contents into its mouth.

S. Wild/Dolphin Innovation Project

For some bottlenose dolphins, finding a meal may be about who you know.