Black Bear Enjoys Back Scratch on 'Rubbin' Tree'

A black bear was spotted scratching its back outside of a home in South Lake Tahoe, California, in the early hours of May 20.

Video captured by Toogee Sielsch shows the bear rubbing its back from side to side against a tree.

Sielsch told Storyful the black bear was enjoying an early morning appointment at “nature’s massage parlor”.

“That is what’s called a ‘rubbin’ tree’ where bears scratch their backs AND sign the forest guest registry by leaving their own oils, hair, and scent on that tree,” he said.

Sielsch regularly posts photos and videos related to South Lake Tahoe’s wildlife on his Instagram profile. Credit: Toogee Sielsch via Storyful

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