ORIGINAL: Colorado Bob

I would shoot 1 & 4 for sure. 2---I can't really say because of the angle & I can't see the head. 3 can't really say.

A couple rules of thumb that I have used 1--look at the ears--if they are like Mickey Mouse then it's a small bear. If the ears look small compare to the head then it a mature bear & probably a shooter.

Big bears will have a big full belly & they will waddle or swagger.

If you can find a front paw print 4" front paw is a small bear--5' A 5" front paw is an average bear 5' 6" A 6" front paw is 6' or better ---A GOOD black bear IMO. I think 6' is the bench mark fro black bears.

If it over 6" on the front paw----please call me ASAP.

Also I know this sounds corny-----But YOU WILL KNOW A BIG BEAR WHEN YOU SEE ONE. The big ones look big !!