Incredible Dolphin Sets A Trap | Blue Planet III | 4K | BBC Earth
Nov 4, 2026
For the first time ever, cameras capture a remarkable hunting technique used by bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay. The discovery reveals why these dolphins have been carrying sea sponges whilst hunting in coral reefs.
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It's one of the most sophisticated examples
of trap setting in the animal kingdom.
Shark Bay, Western Australia.
This bottlenose dolphin has lived here for over 40 years.
Heavily pregnant, she must eat 10 kilograms of fish a day.
But experience has taught
her that there are opportunities here.
Tiny, isolated patches of reef known as bommies.
At the first sign of trouble,
the fish retreat to safety, beyond
her reach, but she has a clever solution.
Dolphins here have been seen carrying
sea sponges, originally thought
to protect their snout
when foraging on the seabed.
Only now do we know the reason is far more complicated.
She takes the sponge back to the body
and carefully...
Deliberately places it in just the right position.
She backs off far enough
for the fish to relax.
Burst of speed,
she sends them free
to find their hiding
place plugged
by the sea sponge.
It is her first meal of the day.
In an area the size of Manhattan,
she seems to have a map in her mind
of where to find sponges
and the best bommies.
It's one of the most sophisticated examples
of trap setting in the animal kingdom.
A cultural tradition that gives these dolphins
the edge in this competitive world.