Black bear, Ursus americanus

Fig. 291  Scattered mortality from bear damage.	Fig. 292  Bears remove large strips of bark from lower bole and leave vertical grooves in the sapwood.

Distribution:  Throughout B.C. 

Tree Species Attacked: All conifer species are susceptible. Trees that are pole-sized or larger are usually attacked, though occasionally saplings are damaged. Redcedar is the most susceptible species on the coast. Douglas-fir and western larch are often damaged in the interior. Damage usually occurs during the spring.

Signs & Symptoms: Bear damage is unique from that of other animals. Large sections of the bark are stripped from trees and lie around the tree bases. The exposed sapwood has long vertical grooves left by the canine teeth during feeding. Some debarking may be found in the crown, but most feeding is confined to the lower main stem. Rapidly growing, vigorous trees in moderately to lightly stocked stands are preferred. Resinosis and animal hair are sometimes found in association with damaged areas. Bear droppings are either a circular mass or are large and cylindrical. 

Tracks are large, and claw marks at the end of the five toes are usually very visible.  Tracks left by the hind feet are oblong and resemble a human footprint, and those left by the fore feet are oval.  Logs and stumps that are ripped apart, or claw marks on trees, may also be visible in the surrounding area.  

Damage:  The incidence of bear damage is generally very scattered and associated with specific areas or drainages where local bears appear to have learned this behavior.  Trees are usually killed due to the destruction of the extensive areas of sapwood.  In general, bear damage is much less frequent than damage caused by other animals.  

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BC Ministry of Forests
Forest Practices Branch
P.O. Box 9513 Stn. Prov. Gov.
Victoria, BC
V8W 9C2

Section phone: (250) 387-8739
Section fax: (250) 387-2136

Last updated April 23, 2002