Wild brown bear takes a leaf out of the Disney Jungle Book movie and scratches an itch on a tree.
In a move just like cartoon favourite Baloo, the young bear’s relief is clear to see as it rubs its back up and down the trunk in Turkey.
The charming images were caught on a camera trap set by the country’s General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.
As the bear gets into the scratching session at one point it almost seems to be twerking as it rubs its rear end up and down the rough bark.
Nature officials said the cameras were set up all over Turkey’s forests to help track the movements of bears, wolves, lynxes and boars to see how they leave scent trails.
Newsflash obtained a statement from the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks on 3rd August saying: “These trees have been designated as areas where wild animals establish their territorial boundaries and communicate their dominance to other animals of the same species.
“Wild animals mark these trees with their scents using their feet and claws.
“Signs reading ‘This tree has been left in nature for the preservation of biological diversity’ have been placed on these trees.”
Bears rub their backs against trees to scratch and remove irritating loose fur or to leave their scent as a means of marking their territory.
Experts call the behaviour ‘tree rubbing’ and it is common among most bear species.
It helps them maintain their fur and communicate with other bears in the area.
Tree rubbing can also serve as a way for bears to stretch and exercise their muscles.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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