
Why do dogs bury bones?
Evolution has a lot to answer for it, but for modern domesticated dogs it could be more to do with just being a bit bored.
Asked by: Jared Paterson, York
Wolves bury food that they can’t eat immediately. This keeps it safe from scavengers like crows and the cold ground helps to preserve it. Birds don’t have a good sense of smell so they find it harder to locate these buried caches than wolves do. Dogs retain this behaviour and will bury toys or bones – either because they are saving their leftovers, or just because they are bored.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.
Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.