Possible Bear in Ridley Creek State Park?

[Wendell]

I was in Ridley Creek State Park today and saw this freshly torn-up tree and log (see photos). Is there anyone who can identify the animal that did this? It seems like it must have been a pretty powerful animal. The long strips that were torn off the log made me think maybe it was a bear.

I showed the ranger the pix and while he did verify that a sow and two cubs were spotted nearby last year, by two different people, he did not venture a guess as to what animal might have done this.

Ideas, anyone?

BTW, this was on the blue trail in the hiking section of the park.

The tree and log were full of insect/grub tunnels, so it was obvious the animal was after food.

[scoutjoe]

Pictures are awfully small to see much. Any idea what tree it was on?

[Doomtrooper]

Interesting!

[Gman106]

I've heard there are more than a few "bears" lurking around the north end of the park. Best to stay away from there!

[Wendell]

Sorry about the size, they wouldn't let me upload anything bigger. Don't remember what kind of tree it was.

[Wendell]

Here is a link to the full-size pics:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mncjgnfa2szo417/YOYrvIS2Te

[bogey1]

A friend of mine is friends with a game warden, he said there are two bear in the park. The game warden told him this over the deer season.

[customloaded]

BEAVER!

CL

[kel ruger man]

porkupine can easily do that to a tree. i doubt there are bear down there unless they were transported which i doubt. if there were, it would be on the new that peoples trash were getting torn apart, or someone seen one. i find it bull crap

[Captain4]

Bears have been trapped in suburban philly in both Montgomery and Bucks counties, and across the river in Jersey, so it's possible. It might not have wandered down there, it could've worked it's way up, maybe it growls with a southern draw.