61
Footprints
Figure 3. (Left) Comparison of black and grizzly bear tracks
(source: Moskowitz 2010)
Key features distinguish black and grizzly bear
tracks: A Claws on front tracks are usually longer
then the length of the associated toe and significantly
longer then the hind claws. B In black bear tracks,
inner toe falls mainly below a line drawn from
bottom of outermost toe and across the top of palm;
inner toe falls above line in grizzly beaar tracks
("Palmisciano test" most reliable on front feet).
C Black bears have a wedge of hair on the inside of
their hind foot that can leave a distinctly raised area
in this portion of the track.
Front Length Front Width Hind Length Hind Width
Grizzly
Bear
4–5.5 in.
10.5–13.5 cm
4 –5.75 in.
10.5–14.5 cm
4.25–5.25 in
11–13 cm (without heel)
6.25 –8.25 in.
16.0–20.5 cm (with heel)
4 –5.75 in
10.5–14.5 cm
Black Bear
3.75 –5.25 in.
9.4–12.8 cm
3.75 –5.25 in.
9.8–13.1 cm
3.75–4.5 in.
9.5–11.1 cm (without heel)
5.5 –7.5 in.
14.5–19.1 cm (with heel)
3.5—5 in.
9.2–12.5 cm
Table 1. Track measurements for grizzly bears and black bears in the Pacific Northwest (source Moskowitz 2010).
