A camera-trap image of wildlife is inherently a bit thrilling: after all, it’s taken by the critter itself and depicts a moment remote (when it happens) from human observation. That’s true whether the animal is a rare species or an “everyday” (but still awesome, mind you) one, and it’s true even if the image simply shows a walk-by down a game trail, as is so often the case.

But sometimes, thanks to a well-placed bit of camera gear, an unknowingly cooperative animal and a good sprinkling of serendipity, we get to witness intriguing behaviour that would otherwise have gone down unnoticed in some anonymous wild corner.

Here’s a case in point. This past summer, the Candid Critters camera-trapping project – a joint venture of several institutions and agencies that enlists authorised citizen-scientists to gather wildlife images across North Carolina – turned up a dynamic sequence of photos. Taken just after midnight on August 30 in Hyde County in the state’s far east, the snapshots show a pair of black bears in a high-powered tussle: all grappling paws and flashing teeth. You can almost hear the husky growls, muffled swats and thumping duff.

Image: Candid Critters/eMammal

Image: Candid Critters/eMammal

Image: Candid Critters/eMammal

Image: Candid Critters/eMammal

All together now…

It’s not at all uncommon for male black bears (boars) to fight during the breeding season, which can extend from late May through early August in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s black bear and furbearer biologist, Colleen Olfenbuttel. Bears ranging about in a quest for receptive females (sows) may clash with rivals they come across, and old males sometimes carry the scars and tattered ears of many seasons of breeding-related pugilism.