Bear markers.

[std7mag]

I didn't know if anyone else has run into this or not, so i thought i would ask.

North central PA. Blackbears, so no grizzly or other species.

My coworker and i were scouting some new areas for deer. It is archery season here. Archery bear had just opened that day.
At a small clearing we came accross a bear marker on a tree. Was a single marker on only one tree.
About 1/2 mile further we came to another small opening. There we found 10-12 trees marked.
I had heard of bears marking trees, but never that many in a small area.

Single bear?
Bear meeting sight?

Any insight would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[CubSlayer]

Are these markings all relatively new?

Bears are not social, although they'll tolerate one another if they have reason to (food). Marking is, of course, a territorial expression so it seems very unlikely that multiple bears are marking the same territory at the same time.

Most likely you have a single bear marking like crazy. Probably a large male. You WANT to keep an eye on that area!

 

[std7mag]

About 50 yards away from the numerous markings is where i had a run in with a 400ish lb bear in July.
Close encounter (25 yards) that surprised us both.
Lots of huffing, drool, jaw clicking.
The bear was upset too....
Acted more like a grizz standing it's ground than the typical black bear.

Since then, i've left the pistol at home and brought along a rifle while scouting by myself.

My coworker is 6ft tall. While i missed it in the photo, the claw mark goes above his hand.

 

[Pahoundsman]

It’s one big bear marking his territory,now is the time to get him. Good luck.

 

[Losing_Sanity]

Seems like a good place for a bait site and a tree stand. Might get a state record bear out of there. Or a bigfoot. Either way, it's an awesome adventure.

 

[std7mag]

So the bear is obviosly standing on the side that was marked.
Is his teritory on that side, or the unmarked side?
Just wondering which direction to pay special attention too.

 

[Howie]

Seems like a good place for a bait site and a tree stand. Might get a state record bear out of there. Or a bigfoot. Either way, it's an awesome adventure.

Pa. has strict fair chase regs. No baiting or dogs to hunt bear. If ya have some masochistic friends a bear drive is legal.

 

[CubSlayer]

Pa. has strict fair chase regs. No baiting or dogs to hunt bear. If ya have some masochistic friends a bear drive is legal.

Which is why PA's bear harvest rate is so low. (Bait and dogs are fair chase)

Although bait helped establish an area, my daughter just took a bear without bait, since the season had ended.

The bear remembered the area, so we used scent attractants to bring him in. If you have a site that is being visited by bears already, don't overlook the benefit of setting up there and using scents (if legal).