Scratching/marking tree

[Professor]

So why do they maul trees? This tree has both old and fresh scratches. This is the only good sign i found today, butI really don't know what it means other than a bear was there.

 

[ddd-shooter]

Territory marking. Especially during the rut.
Also, no picture.

 

[Doug B.]

^^^ What he said. Nice picture. Wish I could see it.

 

[Professor]

 

[BeefMaster]

I went Friday, and like the OP, the best sign I found was a scratched up tree and some nice hog rooting. I sat my rifle next to the tree for a reference.

 

[Professor]

I went Friday, and like the OP, the best sign I found was a scratched up tree and some nice hog rooting. I sat my rifle next to the tree for a reference.
View attachment 1045926View attachment 1045927

Looks fresh

 

[Doug B.]

Neither of those looks like bear sign. Both look like woodpecker.

 

[BeefMaster]

I will stand corrected then.

 

[Professor]

Neither of those looks like bear sign. Both look like woodpecker.

seriously? what kind of woodpecker does that?

 

[Doug B.]

Any kind. I don't think I have ever seen a bear chew on a dead standing tree. I've seen them bust up dead logs on the ground and chew on creosote power poles but not a dead standing tree.

 

[northgeorgiasportsman]

Neither of those looks like bear sign. Both look like woodpecker.

That was my thought without being able to inspect it closely.

 

[chrislibby88]

The ones I’ve seen had little pieces of hair in them, and very distinct claw marks. All live trees, oozing sap, except a dead white oak log I saw back in Sept, but the oak log wasn’t a marking tree. Not sure what they were doing to it. Climbing sign maybe? It’s suspended in the air about 5ft up, and right behind it is a 15 ft hollow stump it broke off of. Maybe a den site in the stump, and they climbed up on the log?

 

[chrislibby88]

Here’s one with hair in it.

 

[twincedargap]

He’s 6’4”