Bear sign, bear poop, bear sh$$ all old time terms for a "doghnut" twisted out like bear sign and fried, today they call them bear claws. Any doughnut dough recipe works fine, I use the 1950's Betty Crocker one, I can dig it up later if someone wants it, it is a simple baking powder one.
Acually I just mix some flour, salt, brown sugar, baking powder some cinnamon and nutmeg just right, add some melted lard and some milk and make a workable dough. I will have to dig that book out to get it down beyond that.