While visiting the area where I grew up on Big Fall Creek, I came across this track along the water's edge. It was as big as my hand! The track is not that of a big cat, such as cougar, and certainly not that of a dog! I checked with a local outdoorsman who agreed with my suspicion that it is a bear track. I found similar tracks identified as black bear online, such as this one - http://tinyurl.com/nvp3wcs The impression left depends on the type of soil it is left in. There are lots of black bear in the hills around here, so seeing tracks is not unusual.

The bear likely came down to the water in early morning for a drink. I was there in early morning too! When I saw the track I looked around to make sure I was alone. Fortunately, I was! Still, it felt a bit creepy. :) I remember seeing all kinds of wildlife tracks in the hills here when I was a kid. There were a lot more of them back then.