An Analysis of Trees Marked by Black Bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Burst TL. 1979. An Analysis of Trees Marked by Black Bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. University of Tennessee
Trees marked by bears along a 135 kilometer route were identified by species, measured, and photographed. The marks were all at arms reach, clawed, and often bitten, while the bark lower down usually showed signs of rubbing (hair, leaves, dirt). The area in the immediate vicinity was inspected and the vegetation classified. Theories exist, unproven, that marking is a means of mutual avoidance, thus reducing competition in the same range, or perhaps it is a definite warning against trespass.
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- Burst, Thomas
- Date of Issue
- 1979
- Publisher
- University of Tennessee
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Behavior, Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC TN, GRSM-00025, Thesis, tree marking