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Aspen Scars: The dark scars on the aspen tree's white bark are caused by elk, deer and other foraging animals that nibble on the soft inner bark when deep snows bury grasses and shrubs. Besides chewing on aspen bark for food, elk and mule deer rub their antlers against the trunks to shed velvet in autumn. Other aspen scars are made by black bears marking their territory, and woodpeckers creating holes to search for insects or make nests. If injured or grazed on too severely, some of these aspen trees will die. Healthy aspens without scars thrive where there are fewer impacts from wildlife.
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