Scientists are rethinking what cows are capable of after an Austrian cow named Veronika was observed using tools with surprising sophistication.
The discovery, reported by researchers in Vienna, suggests that cattle may possess far greater cognitive abilities than previously believed.
Veronika, who lives on a mountain farm in the Austrian countryside, has spent years perfecting the art of scratching herself with everyday objects — including sticks, rakes, and brooms. Her unique technique caught the attention of animal intelligence specialists, who documented her using both ends of the same object for different purposes.
For tougher spots, such as her back, Veronika uses the bristle end of a broom. For more sensitive areas, like her underbelly, she switches to the smooth handle end.
“This kind of tool use is rarely seen in the animal kingdom and has never been documented in cattle before,” said Dr. Antonio Osuna-Mascaro of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. “We were not expecting a cow to use a tool — and certainly not a multipurpose tool. Until now, this has only been consistently reported in chimpanzees.”
Chimpanzees are well-known for their diverse tool use. They use sticks to gather ants and termites and stones to crack open nuts. Veronika’s actions suggest that cattle, long considered simple grazers, may have untapped problem-solving skills.
Despite humans having lived alongside cows for roughly 10,000 years, this is the first recorded instance of a cow demonstrating tool use. The researchers believe other cows might develop similar behaviors if given the opportunity.
Veronika’s owner, organic farmer Witgar Wiegele, hopes her unusual talent will encourage people to appreciate the natural world. “Save the nature, then you protect yourself,” he said. “Nature diversity is the key to survive on this planet.”
The study documenting Veronika’s behavior is published in the journal Current Biology and has already sparked interest among animal behaviorists worldwide.
