Watch For The Signs
How can you tell if bears have been frequenting the area? They leave
many signs behind. Learning to look for the signs of bears can also alert
you potential problems before they occur, especially if the signs are
fresh. You should also learn to tell the difference between black and
grizzly bears from a distance.
Tracks
Tracks are one key indicator of bears. Black and grizzly bears also
have very different tracks. The most important difference in the two
bears feet are in the length of the claws. Black bears have shorter claws, while
the long claws of a grizzly can extend up to 10 cm (3.9 in). When identifying
tracks, there are numerous characteristics to look for. While claw length
can help identify those tracks with clear imprints, there are two more
reliable indicators of species. Black bear tracks tend to have the toes
slightly separated, whereas grizzly tracks show toes that are usually
joined together. Also, the arc of the toes is greater in black bears.
To illustrate this, place one end of a straight edge at the base of the
big toe, and line the straight edge with the front of the foot pad. If
the other end of the ruler passes through the baby toe between the middle
and the base, the tracks belong to a grizzly. If instead, the ruler runs
through the smallest toe between the middle and the tip, then you have
black bear tracks.
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Grizzly Track |
Black Bear Track |
Scat
Bear scat is another good indicator of bear activity. It is a good practice
not to touch scat with your hands while examining it. Don't spend a lot
of time trying to differentiate between black bear and grizzly scat as
the two are even difficult to tell apart in the lab. Historically, biologists
have used a simple estimate that scats in excess of 5 cm (2 in) in diametre
generally belong to grizzlies. Unfortunately, during research conducted
by Stephen Herrero, 58 percent of grizzly scats were actually smaller
than 5 cm in diametre, thus proving this rule inaccurate. The scat varies
quite dramatically based on what the bear is eating at a particular time
of year. During August, when the bears are fattening up on buffaloberries,
the scat takes on a blackish-red appearance with plenty of buffaloberry
seeds visible. If a cursory examination shows the remains of roots, or
tubers, the scat likely belongs to a grizzly since black bears lack the
claws to reliably dig up these plants.
Bears
may feed upon a large carcass for several weeks, and surprising a bear
at this time can be very dangerous. Stephen Herrero suggests learning
to identify scat of bears that have been feeding on meat so that you
can use this as a sign to leave the area, or at least to be very vigilant.
When bears are feeding on meat, the scat is usually black and runny.
Their may be some hair visible. While scat made up of plant material
may also be black, it is usually more fibrous in nature. Also, scat
made up of meat remains tends to smell whereas plant scat does not.
Examining the scat can tell you how fresh it is. For instance, have
insects colonized it yet? Are the plants underneath the scat still
fresh and green or have they yellowed? If the scat is heavily
concentrated within a small area, you may have also located a bedding
down area. While most are used only briefly, check for other signs
of bears such as hair or hollow scrapes on the ground. If you find
evidence of garbage in the scat, you may have a habituated bear in
the area and you may want to move on.
Grizzly
Diggings
In spring and fall, grizzly bears actively dig up roots, tubers, corms,
bulbs and small animals such as ground squirrels. The first time you
come across a grizzly dig, it is usually an amazing feeling. These diggings
can be very extensive in nature, and may show evidence of repeated diggings.
When you come across a dig site, you can tell how recent the dig is by
looking at the dirt that has been excavated. If it has been deposited
on top of local plants, check to see if they plants beneath the dirt
are still alive. If they have been covered for some time, they may not
look as healthy as the surrounding plants. Fresh digs indicate that a
bear may still be in the area. You should also take note of what they
have been digging...bulbs, roots or ground squirrels. If they were digging
roots, look to see if the remaining exposed roots still look fresh or
wilted. All of these things can help you estimate the length of time
since the bear was at the site.
Carcasses
If you are hiking and notice an abundance of ravens or crows, you may
be near a carcass. Since numerous bears may feed on a single carcass,
this is another sign to leave the area immediately. You may even smell
the carcass if the wind is blowing in your face. Grizzlies often bury
a carcass to save it for later feeding. Again, this is a sure sign to
head home.
Marking
of Territories
Finally, bears often rub, bite or scrape trees as a way of marking their
territory. Some trees will be repeatedly marked by the same bear, or
by other bears in succession over the years. Black bears, are good climbers
and often the claw marks may permanently scar the bark of aspen trees.
Learn to watch for these marks and you'll amaze your friends.
Bear Trails
Human built and hiker defined trails are often easy to follow. In the
mountains, many traditional hiking routes are not formally recognized
on maps, but have become easy to follow simply through repeated use over
the years. Animals like bears also have traditional routes that they
follow. If you are moving through dense bush, you may encounter one of
these trails. The main difference between hiker defined trails and game
(or bear) trails is in the height of the trail. If you suddenly find
that you must crouch down low to make your way along a well defined route,
you may be making your way along a bear trail. These tunnel-like trails
are not a place that you will want to spend a significant amount of time
as bears are known to regularly use them. |