Bears have grown to become very popular in tattoo art recently due to their broad and rich use of symbolism throughout history and culture. Around 500 BC, the bear has been used by the Celts across Europe as a symbol to represent the war. In the Old Testament, this magnificent creature is used to symbolize the influence of evil and cruelty. In Christian symbolism, they were considered a positive representation of the reform. Ancient Greek and Egypt, it was believed that the Great Bear Constellation Ursa Major (The Great Bear) was the incarnation of the great goddess Diana or Artemis.
Bears have also been widely used in Native American culture. For some tribes, they were used to symbolize the battle, hunting, and healing. For other tribes called this symbol the whirlwind that has been used in war to confuse the enemy and for medicinal and healing. Some tribes viewed them as supernatural beings and some even as gods. Their annual hibernation was an expression of the need for silence and self-reflection. The quiet in the cave was a symbol of the peace of the heart.
Another reason why these tattoos are so different meanings and drawings, is the diversity of these creatures themselves. Bears, like Kodiak and Grizzly can be used to symbolize immense strength, power and danger. Polar bears in tattoo designs are rare and unique. With the current crisis of this kind face, a design that includes support is used to refer to the last of a dying breed, to educate or to symbolize hope. Other members of this family include black bears and pandas.
For anyone considering a design with a koala, remember that a koala is not really a bear, but in fact a member of the marsupial. Finally, "Teddy" tattoos that symbolize "cute", I think.