Study Reveals Ravens Use Spatial Memory to Locate Carcasses Instead of Following Predators

Ravens (Corvus corax) in Yellowstone National Park employ advanced spatial memory to find animal carcasses rather than simply trailing predators, according to a new study. While scavengers typically rely on cues like scent, sound, or following predators to locate food, researchers tracked 69 ravens, 20 gray wolves (Canis lupus), and 11 mountain lions (Puma concolor) using GPS over two and a half years to investigate their interactions and movement patterns.

The study found ravens rarely followed wolves continuously over long distances; only one instance of a raven tracking a wolf for four kilometers was recorded. Instead, ravens responded to wolves’ presence in short bursts, such as following tracks in the snow or flying toward howling wolf packs. Ravens were more frequently observed near wolf kill sites than mountain lion kills, likely because wolves hunt in open, snowy areas where prey like elk (Cervus canadensis) are more vulnerable and easier for ravens to spot from the air. Mountain lions hunt alone and often cover their kills, making it harder for ravens to locate them.

Researchers noted that many ravens exhibited territorial behavior, staying within wolf territories, while others roamed widely, sometimes beyond the park. Ravens repeatedly flew directly to known wolf hunting grounds from distances up to 320 kilometers, suggesting deliberate navigation rather than random searching. Territorial ravens showed more targeted movement toward wolf kills and human activity sites, such as dumps, where food is expected.

The findings challenge the common belief that scavengers primarily find food by following predators. Instead, ravens appear to rely on a sophisticated mental map of the landscape, remembering locations where food is likely to be found and navigating there efficiently. This cognitive ability aligns with known intelligence in ravens and parallels spatial memory seen in chimpanzees and blue whales. The study highlights ravens’ advanced thinking skills and their reliance on accumulated knowledge rather than opportunistic following of predators to secure meals.

The research was conducted by Davidson Institute for Science Education, the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science.