'Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.'

Proverbs 17:12

As I stood on the side of the road with my camera attempting to capture photographs of the majestic eagles, I couldn’t help but sense the watchful gaze of Mother Bear. I shifted my focus and shifted my attention towards the direction from which she appeared, maintaining a composed demeanour despite the mere few meters that stood between us. It is crucial to emphasize the necessity of maintaining rationality and remaining calm in unanticipated encounters with a Mother Bear and her cubs. Bears, contrary to certain misconceptions, are not mere brutish creatures, but rather exhibit a level of complexity and intelligence. Mother Bears are particularly renowned for their unwavering dedication to and protective nature towards their offspring, surpassing that of any other species on our planet, or so I am told.

I must admit, I have not personally experienced being assaulted by a bear, whether it be by a male or female specimen, and therefore may not possess expert knowledge on this subject matter. However, I have encountered these majestic creatures during solitary excursions in the forest, with limited means of escape, and am well aware of the prevailing narratives surrounding the ferocity of nature. Surprisingly, though, I have never encountered an aggressive bear or felt threatened by any apex predator, except for encounters with certain human individuals whose conduct deviates from rationality and defies both the laws of nature and common sense.

The bear in question was demonstrating a profound sense of maternal care and protection for her cubs, a behaviour that mirrors the innate instincts of humans when it comes to safeguarding our own children. This natural inclination is both admirable and understandable, resonating with our shared sense of parental responsibility. In nature or human communities, predators often exhibit a distinct preference for the disruption of the parent-child bond, as it serves their personal interests. These principles hold true across various ecosystems and social contexts.

After she determined I was no threat she moved back into the forest allowing me to get a glimpse of her charges. One of the adorable young cubs displayed a greater sense of curiosity and took a better look at me, while expelling a small piece of litter it had picked up. Meanwhile, its more reserved sibling opted to stay close to its mother, preferring to remain concealed from view.

This unexpected encounter was a truly exceptional privilege, among many. I have always held a deep affection for bears, and my interactions with them have consistently been delightful and profound. The mother bears I have encountered serve as a powerful symbols of the profound parent-child relationship, particularly in the realm of nurturing and caring for offspring. Given my own personal experiences with a limited parental bond in my youth, the presence of Mother Bear in both my life and artistic creations holds significant meaning. She stands as a tribute to all parents across different species, embodying their roles as protectors and caregivers for the young and vulnerable. In our human society, mothers and fathers play vital roles, sharing equal responsibilities in safeguarding their children. Therefore, this design is equally fitting for parents of both sexes, as well as for grandparents, aunts, and uncles, celebrating their inherent roles as guardians and protectors of children. I firmly advocate that parenthood is a noble endeavour deserving of increased recognition and comprehensive support in our modern society, just as it has been in our traditional societies.

This design holds immense symbolic significance as it represents the profound bond between parents and children. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to those dedicated guardians who tirelessly ensure the well-being of their offspring. Mother Bear is symbolic of their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of the young ones, ensuring their future and our ongoing survival as a species. Mother Bear, with its profound symbolism, is proudly made available for purchase on a variety of useful items through our T-Spring shop. By patronizing our shop, not only do you support us, but also contribute to the livelihood of other individuals such as printers, shippers, and other hardworking professionals who play an integral role in keeping our economies and societies functioning.

© TS Ni hUiginn