Bear track question

[Elkhunter]

I have been told in the past that you can tell the size of the bear by the size of the track. Something like 1 1/2 times the size of the track = foot size of bear. Like a 4" track = 6 ft bear. Is this just hog wash or is there any truth to this. If there is some truth to this, what would be a decent size bear?

 

[The Hedgehog]

So that would mean that the bear I saw last Friday with a 5 3/4" front pad would be close to 9 feet. I don't think so.

The general rule is add 1 to 1.5" to the track, convert to feet, and that's roughly what the bear will square. Keep in mind the width is usually longer than the length. A 5" front pad will mean a 6' long bear almost every time from what I've seen. A 4" track isn't usually worth even following.

 

[Elkhunter]

Thanks Greenhorn.