For the Sioux, it was second only to the bison as a totem animal. The bear represented Wind Powers and stood for the whirlwind, confusing your enemies, curing powers, and the ability to find things.

For the Native Americans, the bear was a symbol of self-reflection. Its annual dormancy period in a cave was symbolic of our need to use silence to hear the voice of the higher self. The bear represented both the feminine powers connected to earth and creativity and the masculine powers of strength, courage, perseverance, impregnability and observation. It was ordinarily linked with vision quests, and many believed that bears were once people who formed their own spiritual tribe.

Designs for bear tattoos

If you get a bear tattoo, you might think about what type of bear to use. The common Black bear (which can be black, brown, cinnamon, or blond in color) is the least aggressive of the species. It is clever and has fabulous vision and hearing, but would rather climb a tree than employ himself in conflict. If your reason for getting a bear tattoo is to depict power tempered with wisdom, this might be the apt route to go.

Bears such as the Kodiak and Grizzly can be used to show immense strength, power and danger. Polar bears in tattoo designs are really rare and unique. With the current crisis that this species is facing, a design incorporating this bear might be used to signify the last of a dying breed, to create awareness, or to symbolize hope. Other members of this family include Black bears and Pandas. For those who are considering a design with a Koala, just remember that a Koala is not really a bear but actually a member of the marsupials. Finally, there are 'teddy bear' tattoos which symbolizes being 'cute'.