ABSTRACT
Throughout human history, perhaps no other animal has inspired the numerous stories, instilled such primal fear, or given us quite so many fond childhood memories as the bear. In our modem society, it is often anthropomorphized, first being transformed into a lovable and cute character with the creation of the "teddy bear." The bear has now come to symbolize something very different in the twentieth century than it did throughout humankind's past. Today, the free roaming and truly wild bear is all but a memory for most Americans. Due largely to an effective extennination effort of the early pioneers in conjunction with today's constant pressure of expanding urbanism, the grizzly bear (Ursus arc/os horribilis) now only resides within the most inhospitable, mountainous regions of the continental United States. However, prior to the coming of the European to North America, the natives had a very different relationship with the bear. To them it was one of the most powerful totemic spirits in all ofnature. The unique similarity to man in many ways, coupled with the animal's strength and knowledge of the land, imparted within Native Americans a great respect. In response
to this, the native peoples of North America and other circumpolar tribes of the world evolved similar myths and legends regarding the bears present in their respective lands. While certainly differing in degree, depending on the people and the aspect of the animal being celebrated, these legends often told of a similar bear-mother creation myth, bear-wife story, and hero-hunter tale. This intertwined relationship of human and animal has continued from the earliest cave-dwellers through today in many of the Native American tribes still practicing their traditional religions.
