Bear Size Estimate

[jasnt]

I've been told a quick way to estimate bear size is by there tracks. Front paw track. Measure the palm pad width, subtract 1" and multiply by 100lbs.  This will at least give ya an idea
 I'd bet this Isn't berry accurate with young bears. Look at the ears, if they look like a German shepherds ears its small.

[RadSav]

What about this one? Anybody care to hazard a guess on the size of this bear?
It's a different location from the photos, but still in Western Washington.

That's a tough video to get any idea of size from.  I'd guess a medium small fluffy sow that is starting to put on some good fat.  Between 125 and 145 pounds would be my guess.  But again - hard to tell from that limited view.

[Mike450r]

Small bear,  ears are big and if you look at both pictures you can see a whole lot of space between the chest and the ground.  That was one of the first things I was taught to look at when trying to judge a bears size.  Except for the obvious cubs if the chest/belly is close to the ground you usually got a good size bear.

[The Big Game Hunter]

What about this one? Anybody care to hazard a guess on the size of this bear?
It's a different location from the photos, but still in Western Washington.

That's a tough video to get any idea of size from.  I'd guess a medium small fluffy sow that is starting to put on some good fat.  Between 125 and 145 pounds would be my guess.  But again - hard to tell from that limited view.

Interesting. Thanks!

[RadSav]

Been watching that video over and over again.  If you could see the legs better that would help.  I've been trying to get a good idea of hair length compared to fat build.  Seems to have some decent fat rolling in the back end in the last moment of that video.  That puts the weight numbers up in a hurry.  Could be 150 to 160#.  Definitely a mature bear and one worth taking if you get the opportunity.  130# is average and that was my first thought. However, with the fall fat it may very well be slightly above average.  My suggestion is to shoot it and then tell us what the butcher says

Would like to know what Bearpaw guesses.  I know he has been involved in a lot more sow kills and body variety than I have been.  I'd think his guess would probably be more accurate than mine.

[bearpaw]

I think you are pretty close Radsav, it's a much better bear than the first bear, I'd guess the bear in the video at 165 with a 10 pound error factor, so 155-175. 

[Ripper]

With the big rump and short neck I'd guess it to be a sow. Possible the other bears mommy if it's in the same area.

[The Big Game Hunter]

Thanks to everyone who provided an estimate.

What you all said matched up pretty well with what I was thinking: a mature, though not extremely large bear. That trail camera is set up on a stream crossing where I've gotten several videos of what appears to be the same bear over the past two months. Sorry RadSav, I don't have any other photos or video that are better quality than the one I posted, the only tree suitable for a trail camera is pretty close to the trail.

I've got a good stand location pretty close to this crossing and if I get the opportunity, I'll certainly pull the trigger and let you all know what this bear weighs for sure...

[RadSav]

I've got a good stand location pretty close to this crossing and if I get the opportunity, I'll certainly pull the trigger and let you all know what this bear weighs for sure...

Sounds like a good plan to me