Orangutan attempts to hunt fish with spear

The article does state that the orangutan observed humans spear fishing, then tried to mimic it. Unfortunately, it seems that accurately thrusting a spear is yet to come. Reminds me of that article about the wild dolphin that was brought to a sea park for rehabilitation, and upon it's release, was observed waterwalking. question who on here can spear a fish. I can't

Dammit to hell I have been preaching this for freaking years! I've seen documentaries and read about primates using sticks to probe into termite mounds and trees, using human-like "flushing" hunting techniques on *other primates* then eating them, wild primates that hang out at a lake with humans and help wash clothes and dishes *with soap* in exchange for fish, and a few that have even been taught martial arts! I for one welcome our new hairy, knuckle-dragging, super-strength overlords. That is good! This means we will not need robots to do all of our lower level work for us in the future, th... [More]

question who on here can spear a fish. I can't It takes some skill. And it helps to understand the concept of refraction. But I think the primary problem was the lack of fine motor control to keep the spear straight while thrusting. The orangutan was more swatting the water with the pole than actually spear fishing. He did a lot better with the non-moving targets.

It takes some skill. And it helps to understand the concept of refraction. But I think the primary problem was the lack of fine motor control to keep the spear straight while thrusting. The orangutan was more swatting the water with the pole than actually spear fishing. He did a lot better with the non-moving targets. The article said that he was able to spear a fish in a net.

Like I said, he was able to do a lot better with a non-moving target.

Like I said, he was able to do a lot better with a non-moving target. first you have to learn how to use a spear then you have to learn how to spear a fish. we know how to use a spear not because we have used one but because we have seen them in use or told how to use it.

Probably. Not sure where you're going with this...

Probably. Not sure where you're going with this... just that in a couple of years he will probable be as good a fisherman as any humans he has watched

Maybe. I'm still not sure if the orangutan is physically capable of thrusting a spear. It may take more motor control than it has available.

Although fascinating, I don't think the Orangutan would have behaved this way if he/she hadn't seen a human doing it. As the old saying goes: "Monkey see, monkey do." If anything seeing this squirrel in action just to get a peanut is more amazing.