I was calling coyotes a few years ago and had a black bear circle around me and come up within 15 feet. I really dont know much about bears as far as judging size and I am curious how big he was. It was the middle of summer in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness in northern California, his coat was a light brown and very patchy, the bear didnt look overly fat or thin. It was a rocky area and I could not get the size of his tracks but at one point he was on his back legs ripping bark off of a tree (marking territory??) His front legs were stretched over his head as he ripped the tree. I was unable to reach the same spot on the tree and would guess it was about 9ft off of the ground ( I can reach right at 8 ft ). Any guess from the bear hunters in the group would be appreciated.

Most bears out of this area run 250 to 300 lbs but three years ago while I was picking up some sausage a woman and her family brought in a monster blackie that ran close to 500 lbs on the scales. It had to run close to your 8 foot reach.
I really love hunting that area but hike in and hate it when atv's come by. I think these road hunters really foul the beauty of the area.
So before anyone flies off the handle. I am referring to the guys that never get off the machine but use them for travel, scouting and shooting. Particularly in the wilderness areas like the Yolla Bolly area.
Frank

Thank you Frank. I have seen a lot of bear up there over the last couple years but have not seen one close enough to get a good idea of how big. I saecond the ATV stuff, thats why I head into the area with no vehicles allowed, so far lucky enough to not see anyone breaking the rules .