The Meaning of the Bear: Strength, Hibernation, & Rest

The bear has always lived in my mind as a symbol of strength and power. Even though we all learned about hibernation in grade school, it’s taken me years to truly appreciate what it represents.

Nature’s nap, as it turns out, is a necessary act of survival. A crucial ingredient to making it through the darkest and harshest seasons of life.

The lesson in this feels obvious, but in a world that never sleeps, deep rest feels like a luxury we can’t afford. Until life forces it. Until we have no choice but to slow down, to rest, to recover, to conserve energy for a winter you didn’t see coming.

Some of those tough times have been my greatest teachers. Long-overdue pauses I didn’t ask for. Breaks that pulled me out of the race so I could heal, grieve, or simply hold on through some life storm.
 
And in the midst of it all, the world kept right on turning.
 
Those seasons taught me that rest doesn’t have to wait for catastrophe or burnout. Going dormant, disconnecting, and turning inward are all part of a rhythm that allows us to thrive, not just survive.
 
The bear reminds us that true strength and power come when rest and retreat are held sacred.

Our Bear Ring is pictured here with our Pelican Ring.

• Bear Cufflinks
• Bear Earrings
• Bear Pendant
• Bear Ring
• Bear Tie/Lapel Pin

The Bear Collection is available in bronze, sterling silver (pictured here), and 14K gold. Request gold pricing.

Bear Jewelry & the Bear Behavior that inspired it 

Bear Hibernation

Taking a page from the bear's book, we're reminded that true strength and power come when rest and retreat are held sacred. When bears "hibernate," they experience reduced body temperature, pulse rate, and respiration, all to conserve energy. During this time, female bears will also give birth to their cubs.

While it's still restful, bears experience torpor rather than full hibernation. This way, they can wake more quickly if needed, such as when danger is present. 

Learn more about Bear Behavior

Get all cozy with your favorite drink and maybe even your brand new bear jewelry ;) and settle in to learn about bears with Alie Ward of Ologies. She sits down with seven bear biologists and conservationists to discuss all things bears, from why their ears are cute to fat bear week competitions.

Listen: Ursinology (BEARS) with Chris Morgan, Dr. Thea Bechshoft, Dr. Lana Ciarniello, Drew Hamilton, Wes Larson, Tsalani Lassiter & Danielle Rivet.

Our Bear Ring is pictured here with our Snail Ring and Soul Friend Ring.

Louisiana Black Bear

Louisiana's official state mammal is the Louisiana black bear. Its scientific name is "Ursus americanus luteolus." These black bears primarily call our forested wetlands home, but have been found in almost every parish in the state. 

Black Bear Hibernation

According to Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries, our Louisiana black bears experience a kind of torpor called "carnivoran lethargy."

Be BearWise — Encountering Louisiana's Black Bear

Madeline came across this Be BearWise sign while out hiking. If you're out on the trails or even live where bears might be out and about, consider visiting their website for all kinds of helpful tips for living responsibly with bears.

Bears in Baton Rouge

LSU Museum of Natural Science

Bear Spotted in Baton Rouge — WWLTV Coverage