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  • Who left some scratch marks on a tree?

    Question

    I know the Nash Preserve is outside of the park district but walking on the trail towards the lake my wife and I noticed scratch marks on a tree that appear to be some sort of animal. They were about 3 feet from the ground and looked similar to my cats scratches on our dining room table but much larger.

    Is it likely to be a bobcat or a black bear that could have caused these?

    If on the trail towards the lake it’ll be on the right side of the trail.

    Naturalist's Response

    Hi there.
    It’s hard to say for certain what made the scratches on the tree along the trail at Nash Preserve.
    Black bears are an Ohio endangered species, and bobcats are uncommon in this area. Although anything is possible, it would be hard to say for certain, even with a photograph, who made the scratches because several species in Ohio are known to scratch trees.
    Another possibility might be White-tailed Deer. As you are likely aware, male deer often rub their antlers on trees in the late summer, making obvious scratch marks.
    Hope this is helpful! If you are able to get any photos, feel free to email them to us, Attention: John Kolar, and I can take a look.
    -Chief Naturalist John Kolar