That doesn't look right at all. I haven't seen one rubbed so "uniformly" around the rump and tail, yet have a nice mohawk. He looks healthy, so mange would be ruled out. Maybe he just had a major itch
Flinch
I had the same thought, particularly about maybe having an itch! (or a pain that kept him rolling around during hibernation to try to get comfortable). The worst rubbed bear I ever saw had a broken wrist that had never healed, and evidently he tossed and turned all winter due to pain during hibernation and had rubbed bald spots by the time he came out on the snow in spring. He was big, but not much for hair. A friend killed him when he saw that the bear was injured and grouchy.
Big Sky: Coastal B.C.
