What is a common sign that a bear is in the area?

Recognizing signs of bear activity is crucial for safety in the wilderness. Bear scat and tracks are among the most common indicators that a bear is in the area. Scat can provide insight into the bear's recent diet and activity level; it often consists of remnants of berries, vegetation, or animal remains, which can help gauge what the bear has been eating. Tracks can indicate the size and species of the bear present, helping outdoor enthusiasts understand the potential risks involved in the area.

While fresh scratches on trees can suggest bear presence and indicate territorial marking or behavior, they are less direct indicators than scat and tracks, which provide clear evidence of a bear's recent activity. Distinctive vocalizations may occur, but they are not as reliable or common a sign as scat and tracks. Unusual animal behavior can suggest a potential predator's presence, but it requires interpretation and is not as direct as finding physical evidence like tracks or scat. Thus, seeing bear scat and tracks is the most definitive sign of bear activity in an area.