Cameras hidden in southern Russia's Sayano-Shushenski Nature Reserve captured several bears shimmying against trees as if they were dancing.

According to ScienceDaily, bears may rub against trees to mark territory and communicate with other males while looking for breeding females.

17 May 2022, Sayano-Shushensky Reserve, Russia

“Dancing” bears were filmed in the Sayano-Shushensky Reserve. The footage shows the animals rubbing against trees. According to zoologists, this is how clubfoot marks their territory.

In order to leave their scent on the bark and mark their territory, bears rub their backs against tree trunks. They can scratch the bark with their claws, stand up on their hind legs and slash the tree as high as they can.

Experts say that animal marks can be used to determine their size. In addition, such “dances” help bears protect themselves from midges and get rid of fleas and ticks. By the way, not only adults do this, but also young cubs.

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