There has been a great deal of speculation about the function of rubbing by bears.  Some studies suggest that the main function of rubbing is chemical communication, while others think that it is more a question of “personal hygiene”, it is associated with insect bites or simply bears like massaging themselves. Rubbed trees are often associated with well-developed bear trails. Photo-monitoring of rubbing trees seems to be a good method to monitor the bear population, especially if it is done in connection with hair collection at the tree trap for subsequent genetic analysis. Adult males are thought to rub more frequently, but not only… Have a look at the video on photo-monitoring of tree rubs in Tatra National Park.