Bear Peels

[Ray]

Ran up to a new spot today where there is no trail in or out for several thousand feet and a couple miles in. I have been eyeballing this formation for 2 years wondering if bears were there. When I got into the area and there were a lot of fresh bear peels. I didn't think bears peeled back bark on the trees this late in the year. Maybe they're confused with the local weather patterns. At any rate most of the peels were done in my estimation within the last week (or less) because they had not turned color yet. There were about 2-3 dozen peels and such within about 1/4 mile.

Some of you guys have hunted the bears a lot more than I have. What's your take on bear peels? I always thought it was a spring thing. At any rate it looks like my suspicion might turn into a new hunting spot (even though I don't plan on spending much time hunting bears this year).

[Humptulips]

I agree a little late for bears peeling trees but with the weather and virtually no berries around here this year I'm seeing bear peels still too.

[Ray]

Yes, they were not eating berries. Looked like greens of some kind but definitely not berries as none were ripe and the scat looked like greens.

[rasbo]

Ran up to a new spot today where there is no trail in or out for several thousand feet and a couple miles in. I have been eyeballing this formation for 2 years wondering if bears were there. When I got into the area and there were a lot of fresh bear peels. I didn't think bears peeled back bark on the trees this late in the year. Maybe they're confused with the local weather patterns. At any rate most of the peels were done in my estimation within the last week (or less) because they had not turned color yet. There were about 2-3 dozen peels and such within about 1/4 mile.

Some of you guys have hunted the bears a lot more than I have. What's your take on bear peels? I always thought it was a spring thing. At any rate it looks like my suspicion might turn into a new hunting spot (even though I don't plan on spending much time hunting bears this year).

they are still girdling now,Im seeing a lot of it...fresh..

[ICEMAN]

I had pure white peels at 4500' last August opener... 

[billythekidrock]

It is getting a bit late and with all the other food sources available. It does surprise me everytime that I see a peel in August, but it does happen. I have found recent peels in the last few weeks at the 600 foot level.

[ouchfoss]

My dad and I went for a drive the other day looking to see what there was for elk sign and saw alot of peels that were just days old. These were at about 600'.  BTKR probably knows more about it than I do but it seems like there is alot more peels this year than in recent years. Weather? El Nino? La Nina? 

[bowhunterforever]

I know i have read it on here before but why do bears peel tree's?

[ICEMAN]

To see what is on the inside.

[Bscman]

To see what is on the inside.

 
 

I found a half-dozen or so peels at ~4,200ft yesterday...fresh tracks all round in the snow on the shady side of the mountain.