Quick Answer
To identify an active bear den, look for recent digging or disturbed earth, fresh scat, and a strong musky odor. Bear dens often have a distinctive "bear wallow" area around the entrance and may be surrounded by a shallow moat. Use your treeing hound's keen sense of smell to locate the den.
Identifying Bear Den Signs
When searching for an active bear den, pay attention to the terrain and any recent digging or disturbed earth. A bear den typically has a distinctive “bear wallow” area around the entrance, which can be 1-3 feet in diameter and 1-2 inches deep. This is where the bear has been rolling and marking its territory with scent.
Following the Scent
Use your treeing hound’s keen sense of smell to locate the den. Bears have a strong musky odor that can be detected from a distance. Follow the scent trail, which may lead you to a nearby thicket or a secluded area with a shallow moat around the den. A shallow moat can be 1-2 feet wide and 1-3 inches deep, and is created by the bear digging and then collapsing the soil.
Den Entrance and Surroundings
When identifying an active bear den, look for a den entrance that is about 1-2 feet in diameter and 1-2 feet off the ground. The surrounding area may be disturbed, with recent digging or trampling of vegetation. Use your knowledge of bear behavior and the terrain to determine if the den is active or abandoned. A well-used den may have multiple entrances and exits, and may be surrounded by a shallow moat or a “bear wallow” area.
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