marivillasol's Favorites

While on a cross-country bear trek yesterday, noticed a fresh set of tracks leading up a steep slope. Decided to follow it and it lead me to this wonderful discovery. A bear den excavated into the mountainside, and hidden from view by Singleleaf Pinions and Utah Junipers.
Plenty of fresh and historical bear sign present, indicating use through the years and recent comings and goings. Couple Primary Bear Trails extending from the den site, one eventually leading to a spring and edible grass and forbs. Included all the bear sign (may add another Bear Trail photo) as part of the den observation, since everything makes up a den site as a whole package.Visited the site again today breifly, and have a couple viewpoints from over 3/4 of a mile away. A new set of tracks were present, and several flies were on the wing at the entrance and in the den.

The den is slightly orientated NW, and depending on many conditions and variables, most bear dens are situated facing North, predominantly NE the coldest aspect great for snow accumulation benefitting safety, NW facing dens may be a close second, and dens can also be found oriented SE and SW, depending on many factors.

Bears in the Pine Nut Mountains of Nevada have many challenges to overcome... Monumentally increased OHV activity (excessive dust, speeding, disrupting the peace, driving anywhere they please over anything they please), bear hunters and houndsmen/women (also driving wherever they please) during the fall/early winter bear hunting season, and what I believe is the toughest environment/habitat type for bears to survive in in North America... The Great Basin.
Over the years (approaching the 37th year spending time among bears, learning who and when, where), I've seldom shared info or photos of bear dens I've found... Helps keep a safe refuge for bears, especially important considering ever-increasing human encroachment/dismantling of Nature.

Location is extremely generalized/obscured without accuracy and specifics, therefore protecting bears from hunters.