Why Black Bears Scratch Trees
Seen in Sequoia National Park
By Del Albright | delalbright.com
While exploring the forest in Sequoia National Park with the wonderful folks of the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC), on a tour hosted by Visit Visalia, I came across this tree (photos below) showing clear signs of black bear activity—deep vertical scratches and shredded bark. It’s not random damage. It’s part of how California black bears communicate, survive, and stake their ground.
Note the claw marks and stripped bark—classic signs of black bear marking.
What’s Going On Here?
California black bears (Ursus americanus californiensis) use trees like this for scent marking, visual communication, and sometimes even feeding. Here’s what those claw marks might be telling us:
-
Territory Claim: Scratching leaves behind scent from paw glands and visible signs to warn other bears: “This tree—and this turf—is mine.”
-
Size & Strength Display: Deep, high-reaching claw marks show off a bear’s height and dominance, especially during mating season.
-
Itching & Grooming: Trees like this become “rubbing posts”—helping bears shed winter coats or scratch an itch.
-
Feeding on Inner Bark: In some trees, especially conifers, bears will strip the bark to get at the nutrient-rich cambium layer underneath.
Tree Types and Bear Preferences
Bears don’t mark every tree. They prefer:
-
Douglas-fir, redwood, lodgepole pine, and incense cedar
-
Older trees with thicker, rugged bark
-
Areas they frequent, like trails, water sources, or game paths
What to Look For
If you’re out in the wild, you might spot:
-
Long vertical claw marks, often 5–7 feet up
-
Bark shredded in strips or slashed open
-
Bear hair, especially where they rub often
-
Surrounding signs like tracks or scat
Important Forest Etiquette
If you find signs of bear activity like this:
-
Don’t disturb it. This is natural behavior.
-
Don’t mark over it. Other bears are still using it.
-
Be bear aware. You’re likely in active bear territory.
And always:
-
Store food properly.
-
Keep dogs leashed.
-
Be respectful of wildlife behavior—it’s their home too.
Final Thought from the Trail
Next time you’re hiking Sequoia or any of our beautiful Sierra forests, keep your eyes open. A scratched-up tree isn’t just a damaged trunk—it’s a message board, a power post, and a food source for one of California’s wildest residents.