Forensic Guessing
Looks like we have some competition in the wood chipping department.
Analysis of the evidence by amateurs came up with guesses like porcupine, or woodchuck, or possum. What animal would have spent so much time shredding the bark of this downed tree overnight?
Would you guess that it might have been a bear?
That’s the opinion Cyndie received from the person teaching her Master Gardener classes.
Must have been a good collection of insects beneath that bark to keep the animal’s attention engaged. Or maybe just shorter days and longer nights are triggering the urge to gorge zealously on any possible morsels of protein.
Logic indicates the days of warm temperatures are running out. It won’t be long and the only bugs to be found will be frozen “insect-icles.”
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Relative Something 
Now that is really something! Have you ever seen any other suggestions that there might be bear in your woods? Looks like what ever it was didn’t just strip off the bark, but went down some to produce the shavings you see in the photo! I think I would put my camera in the area to catch them coming back as it looks like there is more to tackle!
wtbell
November 10, 2021 at 1:47 pm
We haven’t noticed other signs of bear, but they have been sighted occasionally in the area around us over the years. I think they are just passing through on the way to other places, similar to the cougars that have been here. We might be on a corridor of seasonal migration.
Yes, placing the camera is something I intend to do now that the sight-lines have opened up nicely in the woods.
johnwhays
November 10, 2021 at 9:45 pm