How to Track a Black Bear

Summary: The American black bear makes up the majority of the population of bears living in North America. Black bears have an incredible sense of smell and are known for their chocolate brown to black coats. These bears are able to stand on their hind legs, but tend to walk on all fours. Each paw has a set of five claws used for tearing things, digging in the ground, and climbing trees. These bears hibernate during the winter, and are only found to be aggressive when threatened. Attacks on humans are rare and are thought to be predatory. Black bears live on a diet of fruits, grasses, insects, smaller mammals such as rodents, fish, carrion, and honey. Poaching is a huge threat to the survival of the black bear.

Tracking the American black bear is an important aspect of gaining knowledge about this species. In this video series, you can learn more about tracking techniques and the importance the black bear has in nature. Learn how to track bears from paper birch markings and bites from these experts. See examples of babysitting trees, straddle trees, and whammy trees, all with identifying marks left by black bears. You will learn more about tracking bears by watching videos such as the video on tracking the gallop, scat and overstep walk marks. Get ideas on reading signs and learning from skulls left behind by black bears in these educational and fun videos!

This series is an Equilibrio Films production.