{"id":15012,"date":"2021-07-19T05:44:37","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T16:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/?p=15012"},"modified":"2024-02-22T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T00:00:00","slug":"bear-tattoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/bear-tattoo\/","title":{"rendered":"40+ Bear Tattoo Meaning & Design Ideas (2024 Updated)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bears are the largest land carnivores and marvelous animals in the process. They manifest the connection with the natural environment and represent a feared beast of the forest. Despite their large size, they are majestic animals, so it doesn\u2019t surprise us if you wanted to get a bear tattoo.<\/p>\n

We crafted this article to help you use the powerful meanings and symbolism behind the bear tattoo to make it as powerful as possible. Additionally, we found a way to help you pick the best bear tattoo idea that you\u2019ll ink in your body. If the tattoo ideas are not enough, there are plenty of bear tattoo designs to choose from.<\/p>\n

Bear Tattoo Meanings<\/h2>\n

As one of the rulers of the continental forests<\/a>, the bear has a lot of powerful meanings. It has been there throughout different mythologies, cultures, and various other symbolisms which is why it\u2019s so popular as a tattoo. Many people get them to flaunt their power, as well as them being majestic animals.<\/p>\n

Bears are often seen as independent animals that have little need to form a pack or a large family, even though they are protective parents. They are considered the protectors of the forest, especially being one of the largest coastal animals, and the ferocious killers.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re known through legends and fairy tales. In the First Nations and Haida culture, another name for a bear is \u201cElder Kinsman\u201d with civilization treating their visits as noble. It was also known in rituals, where the first civilizations laid dead bears and covered them in eagle down for health and to give the dead bears respect and tribute as it passes.<\/p>\n

The First Nations also often compared the bears to humans due to what was believed to be virtues that are similar to those of humans. The Chief\u2019s daughter of the First Nation was even rumored by the historians to have married a bear and birthed two cubs. Her other nickname was the mother of bears or the Bear Mother.<\/p>\n

Although this historical information is assumed to be flawed, and generally controversial, it is believed that the First Nations achieved a great relationship with these ferocious, yet majestic animals.<\/p>\n

As you may also know, bears are also a powerful symbol in the Native American culture with many of the symbols descending onto the contemporary art that is now being sold in the galleries. The bear symbol inspired fang-like necklaces, earrings, bracelets<\/a>, and a lot of jewelry. Moreover, Native Americans wore adornments made out of bear fur to keep themselves warm in the winter.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s take a look at the key meaning before the bear tattoo symbolism.<\/p>\n

Also Read:\u00a012 Common Animal Tattoos and Their Meanings \u2013 Tattoo Symbolism Explained<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Strength<\/h3>\n
\"Bear
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the key meanings of the bear or grizzly bear tattoos is strength. And that doesn\u2019t surprise us, considering that bears are quite large, strong, and ferocious towards their enemies. The person who wants to get the bear tattooed on some part of their body wants to manifest that strength through the ink and harness its power to be stronger in everyday situations.<\/p>\n

Also Read:\u00a026 Tattoo Designs That Show Strength (Religious, Lotus, Animal, Motivational Phrases and Circle)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Courage<\/h3>\n

Even though you won\u2019t often see a bear pack, but rather an individual bear or a smaller group of bears, that doesn\u2019t mean that they\u2019re not brave. Bears are super courageous and when they have a goal that they want to complete, their stubbornness won\u2019t let them give up.<\/p>\n

Still, don\u2019t think that their courageous endeavors are just a product of their stubbornness. They\u2019re always ready to go the extra mile and sacrifice themselves for whatever will benefit them. If you feel that there\u2019s deep courage flame burning inside of you, then getting a bear tattoo sounds like a great idea to showcase just how brave you are on a large bear tattoo that you won\u2019t be afraid to flaunt.<\/p>\n

Protection<\/h3>\n
\"Bear
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Given their large and defensive nature, it\u2019s only expected to accept that bears are extremely protective. They are quite territorial, and with that in mind, they will not falter from the fact that they have to protect their territory.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re also protective of other things such as food, or the source of water. However, they\u2019re most protective of their family or particularly bear cubs that they\u2019d never allow anyone to touch. In such a case, both brown bears and grizzlies as well as all other types of bears will attack, to kill whatever they deem to be the threat towards their little ones, but more about that later.<\/p>\n

Also Read:\u00a018 Best Protection Tattoo Ideas & Meanings<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Spirituality<\/h3>\n

As mentioned earlier, bear symbols were extremely popular among various traditions and cultures, especially the Native American culture, that found bears to mean strength, power, self-containment, and spirituality.<\/p>\n

Who knows, perhaps bear is your spirit animal and you search your inner peace, as well as the strength behind its fuzzy fur and powerful figure. There are various Native American symbols for a bear, and below we\u2019ll highlight some of the popular Native American bear tattoos that you can draw inspiration from.<\/p>\n

Self-Confidence<\/h3>\n

Self-confidence is one of the main traits that all of us need to have. However, different life situations can draw us away from ourselves to the point that we forget what our true value is. With that in mind, sometimes we need to remind ourselves of what that value is and how worthy we are.<\/p>\n

A powerful bear symbol as a tattoo can help you restore confidence in your body and spirit. If you choose a beautiful, bold, and accented bear symbol to compliment your body every one is going to notice it and it will only add up to your confidence.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that bears don\u2019t yearn for the fellowship too much, which is why the tattoo should inspire and promote self-sufficiency and inspire you to be good enough for yourself before you can be good enough for others. It also promotes self-love and self-enjoyment.<\/p>\n

Motherhood<\/h3>\n

Not many animals are as protective of their offspring as bears. They\u2019re the pure example of motherly love and what grown-up bears are capable of doing to anyone who tries to disrupt the territory or peace of a little cub and its mother.<\/p>\n

\"Bear
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mother bears will do everything to warm up and feed their little cub so that they can grow up to be as powerful as them. If you ever enjoyed and admired the way bears are protective of their offspring then this tattoo can manifest your love for your little ones or your mother.<\/p>\n

There are many ways to show the love between parents and children, and this protective trait of bears is exactly what we think is necessary when it comes to coming up with the best tattoo there is.<\/p>\n

The Eight (8) Bear Species<\/h2>\n
\"The
Saved Tattoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now that we showed you what a bear tattoo means, here are some ideas that you can pick up to get the idea of the best bear tattoo. If you aren\u2019t inspired by the ideas we detailed in this list, you can always go to the list of designs that will give you an idea of your dream design.<\/p>\n

Brown Bear<\/strong>: Some of the simplest bear tattoos is the one that showcases the traditional Eurasian brown bear which is prominent in most of the forests of the mentioned area. They\u2019re large, have big and sharp claws, and can be aggressive if they need to be. Whether you go for a colored version of the tattoo or black and white, you won\u2019t make a mistake.<\/p>\n

Black Bear<\/strong>: Black bears are considered some of the most dangerous bear types. It is also known as the American Black Bear because it can be found across the United States, Canada, and especially Alaska, as it\u2019s better at handling cold temperatures than brown bears.<\/p>\n

Polar Bear: <\/strong>Polar bears among the most dangerous and aggressive bear species and they can grow significantly larger. They\u2019re quite aggressive and agile and can even grab their prey from the water. Given that they live in the North Polar region, we can say that they\u2019re quite adaptive. It\u2019s also a great source of inspiration for a tattoo because you can come up with interesting winter scenery to use as the tattoo background.<\/p>\n

Bear Cub<\/strong>: Cubs are the symbols of purity and innocence. They\u2019re learning, they\u2019re growing, and more importantly, they seek shelter and protection from the mama bear. You can always ink several bear cubs to highlight the number of children or your siblings, but for a fuller effect, we recommend inking bear cubs with their momma bear.<\/p>\n

Panda<\/strong>: For decades, scientists argued whether pandas are bears or marsupials due to the shared characteristics with both. They, however, now agree that the giant pandas are in fact from the bear family. Pandas are adorable and often considered clumsy animals. If you want to get a panda tattoo, you can go for a cute version of the giant panda!<\/p>\n

The Big Bear Constellation<\/strong>: The Big Bear constellation is also known as Ursa Major and is one of the most seen constellations in the northern sky. It consists of 22 stars of which 21 have planets, and 7 of them are the most prominent. If you\u2019re an astronomy fan, the big bear constellation is a must-have tattoo.<\/p>\n

Native American Bear<\/strong>: The Native American bear symbols are popular among people who like deep and meaningful symbols. They\u2019re usually black and white tattoo designs, with various symbols and designs inside the bear’s body.<\/p>\n

Bear Claw: <\/strong>Bear claws are also a popular symbol and they\u2019re liked as both smaller and larger tattoos. Larger bear claw tattoos usually go on the back or chest. Smaller tattoos can consist of multiple claws or paws. In both cases, you can add some extra patterns to give the tattoo a more crispy touch.<\/p>\n

Also Read:\u00a0100+ Most Popular Tattoo Meanings Guide: Creatures (Not Just Animals) Are the Most Popular<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

40+ Best Bear Tattoo Design Ideas<\/h2>\n

If you still couldn\u2019t think about the perfect bear tattoo for yourself, check out the designs we found and shared with you. Scroll on!<\/p>\n

Small Bear Tattoo<\/h3>\n
\"Small
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Small
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Small
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Small bear tattoos are perfect for various occasions. You can combine various styles from tattoos, from smaller and thin bear lines to geometrical shapes. You can even play with shading techniques but we don\u2019t recommend that for super-small tattoos as the shading gets smudged across the skin after a few years, and may need some working on the tattoo to refresh it.<\/p>\n

We dedicated three small designs to show you. Bear head tattoo is the most common small tattoo, and you can design it however you want. Good thing is that you can put it everywhere you want and it\u2019ll give a nice touch to your skin and style.<\/p>\n

If you want a tiny tattoo, care bears from the cartoon with the same name look like a good pick, as illustrated in the middle picture. Still, given that carebears are so colorful and vibrant, they\u2019re better off with some shading done on them.<\/p>\n

Bear Claws Tattoo<\/h3>\n
\"Bear
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Bear
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A post shared by Adam Mirabella (@dudethebear)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n