Meet Veronika, a Brown Swiss cow living in Nötsch im Gailtal, Carinthia, Austria—and yes, researchers documented her doing something that made them do a double take: she scratches herself using objects like a broom/stick as an actual tool, not a lucky accident.
The “wait… she did WHAT?” moment
In observations tied to a study published in Current Biology, Veronika was seen picking up a tool and using it to reach spots she can’t easily scratch on her own—then adjusting how she uses it depending on where she’s scratching.
Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna describe her use as flexible and intentional (aka: not random flailing).
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What makes it extra wild
It wasn’t just “grab object → scratch once.” Veronika reportedly:
- used different parts of the tool for different areas (think bristles vs handle)
- repeated the behavior across many instances, not one fluke
She also knows her people
According to reporting tied to the research, she’s closely bonded with her owner Witgar Wiegele and reacts when she thinks he’s nearby—like watching passing cars and “calling out” when she suspects it’s him.
So yeah… dig out the furry milk whimsy below, because the animal kingdom stays undefeated.
