Is There Any Evidence For Creativity In Nonhuman Mammals?

[Iam Joy]

Mammals only please. I can see there's possibly a case for the expression of creativity in birds when we see things like the artistry of bowerbirds, but my query is specifically about nonhuman mammals.

 

Also, I mean creativity/artistry in the wild - not something taught or a zoo show like the painting elephants and chimps.

 

Do mammals actually create anything that isn't immediately attributable to instinct? Could a structure like a beaver dam be classed as 'creative'? Could it be that humans are the only creative/artistic mammal species?

 

Thank you very much.

[Vexer]

>> Do mammals actually create anything that isn't immediately attributable to instinct?

 

What makes you think that what humans do isn't immediately attributable to instinct?

 

 

 

And why do you specifically exclude the best example of what you're asking for? (Mammals?) Birds are near enough.

 

 

I think the human instinct to decorate isn't different from other creature's. Expression? Decoration. Expressions of fitness.

[Eclogite]

You seem to be meaning artistic more than creative, at least as I would use the terms. I would acknowledge that I cannot immediately think of any assuredly artistic mammals, but creativity amongst them abounds. Perhaps you will clarify your meaning.

[Turtle]

Humpback Whale Bubble Displays

 

Humpback whales are famous for their use of bubbles to “net” prey, especially in Alaska where coordinated bubble netting among groups of humpback whales is often seen. However, humpbacks also commonly use bubble displays and air releases in their social interactions in warm waters. It is thought the these bubble releases are signals to nearby whales. This seems most true in humpback groups engaged in “rowdy” behaviour, in which a group of male whales is competing for position in the group, usually alongside a focal female whale. In these situations, bubbles seem to be released by male escort whales in an effort to intimidate rival escort whales, or to create a visual barrier....

 

there are several quality, but copyright restricted, photographs at the link illustrating whale bubble artistry, if that's what it is.