Recognizing Bear Signs

Learn to recognize bear tracks and scat. 

Grizzly bear and black bear tracks (front paws only) can be distinguished by drawing a straight line from the bottom of the largest outer toe across the top of the pad, then out beyond the opposite outer toe. If the opposite outer toe lies above or mostly above this line, the track is that of a grizzly.

Bear scat varies in color and size according to the diet, and it should not be used to identify black bears from grizzly bears. Instead, it should be recognized as bear scat and examined to determine what the bear has been eating. Then try to avoid areas where bears may be feeding.