170+ Amazing Bear Tattoo Designs with Meanings and Ideas

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Tattoos are bearers (Get it?) of our beliefs and likings. They can be the perfect form of expression for those who like to speak less and do more. Bears are creatures of nature and represent many qualities that we need in our lives today. They can be scary, loving, kind, and beastly. It just depends on which side of theirs have you won interest from!

Meaning of Bear Tattoo Designs

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Bear tattoos are an amazing choice for nature lovers. They are the biggest and strongest mammals still alive. Because of their varying species spread across varying regions of the world, they are understood in different ways. Like, the Chinese see them as protectors and are a very crucial part of feng shui. But all in all, They are a tenacious bunch, known for their strength, stability, courage, and kind-heartedness.

Strength: The bear has long been a symbol of strength and power. Despite their larger size, these animals are extremely fast and can catch prey in seconds.

Standing Tall: The bear can also stand on their two legs and it might represent that one must face their problems and stand tall even in any battered down position.

Protection and Courage: Bears are a symbol of protection. Have you ever seen videos where the mama bear is super protective of its child?

Patience: Bears hibernate a lot and when they are not sleeping, they are looking for food. While they get ready to catch prey, they often catch smaller ones. They are referred to as extremely patient hunters.

Playfulness and Curiosity: Bears represent playfulness and a hell lot of cute videos keep floating on Instagram for the same. They are super curious about different things and like to explore.

Constellation: Big Bear and Little Bear are also the names of constellations Ursula Major and Ursula Minor. They are also distantly connected with Roman mythology for the same.

Ideas for Bear Tattoo Designs

The Bear Claw On Shoulder

Bear claw tattoos are symbols of resilience, personal growth, and evolution post-hibernation. They can be your motivator 24*7!

The Bear Family On Arm

Family is your solid ground. They are your backbone. Whether chosen or born in, family ties are unbreakable bonds and a family tattoo is supposed to honor that bond.

Landscapes in Bear On Arm

Landscapes are pretty personal. You can love snowy winters, summer fun, a particular city, or even just a few waves under the starry night and the sand shining like the stars!

The Celtic Tattoo

Grizzly bears are massive, and muscular and can defeat almost every other animal species out there. They’re strong, tenacious, and powerful! Celtic tattoos are symbols of strength and vitality. So, the incorporation of Celtic in this running bear tattoo gives it double the power!

Where Should You Get Bear Tattoo Designs

For Women

Ankle
Wrist
Finger Spaces
Hands
Shoulder Blades
Behind the Ears

For Men

Chest
Biceps
Legs
Neck
Back
Forearms

Bears are one of the most versatile tattoos and their placement can be varying as well. Even though most people opt for the bigger the better policy for bear tattoos but you do what works for you.

List of Bear Tattoo Designs & Meanings

The Geometric Bear Tattoo On Thigh

The geometric tattoo is one of the latest obsessions of tattoo lovers. This part geometric bear and the part real, detailed, and roaring bear is just the perfect blends.

The Trio Babies Tattoo On Arm

These three little bears roaming through the woods have my heart. They seem like the trio of best friends in school everyone has at least once in their school life.

The Wilderness Tattoo On Back

The angry bear tattoo combined with the dark and deep wilderness tattoo is just the back tattoo you need. My favorites are the high trees and the wooden bridge leading to the wild.

The Simple Tattoo On Arm

This cute snuggly bear peeking over is already in my must-haves! It’s simple, minimalistic and so much love! <3

The Lone-Wolf Tattoo On Arm

A lone wolf can defeat anyone. This powerful tattoo is the goal!

The Fortitude Tattoo On Arm

Carrying the balance of nature on its back, and walking the length of life with fortitude, we may as well learn a thing or two from this one! The artist’s skill shines through the reflection part of the tattoo.

The Half Skull Tattoo On Arm

Half bear and half skull, this genius tattoo is one of the most out-there of all! The details, the roar, and everything about it send chills through me. Bicep tattoos anyway are my personal favorite!

The Angry Mascot Tattoo On Body

Go Timberwolves!!! ( It’s a TVD reference!) Doesn’t this seem like a sports team mascot? A little angry one at that but still! A great solidarity effort, this is a terrific option for team tattoos.

The Tribal Tattoo on Leg

A not-so-simple and minimal tribal bear tattoo. The well-chosen colors create a whole new depth here. This knee tattoo is going to be a head-turner this summer!

The Cosmic Tattoo

This cosmic take on the sketch tattoo takes it to the next level. The stars, the moon, and the space right at the feet of the bear are simply beautiful.

The Constellation Tattoo On Arm

Bear outline with the star sign constellation makes this tattoo a great combination of two kinds of tattoos.

The Simple Black Bear Tattoo On Arm

Did you know the hump on a black bear’s back is its shoulder muscle giving it the extra nudge of strength? The beautiful landscape as an add-on is just perfect!

The Almost Lion Tattoo On Shoulder

This bear seems like a part lion in the way it’s angry and roaring and the simple yet powerful artist’s work shines through.

The Calm Tattoo On Upper Arm

Now comes the calm and composed yet unwavering bear. Surrounded by beautiful wildflowers, this tattoo stands apart.

The Balloon Tattoo On Wrist

A cute little polar bear with a red balloon tied around its face tattoo is just what you need to make you smile on a lousy day. This wrist tattoo is a must-have for all kid-at-heart readers of ours!

The Teddy Bear Tattoo On Arm

If you want to carry your teddy bear everywhere with you, well, look no more!

The Blue Geometric Tattoo On Arm

Shades of Blue and geometric, this bicep tattoo is just the pop of color you were looking for!

The Childhood Plushie Tattoo On Upper Arm

This cutie reminds me of the bear plushie we’ve all had as kids. The clock is a quirky addition and can be customized. The sketch work, the cuteness, and all things pretty, this shoulder tattoo is a childhood flashback!

The Minimal Tattoo On Arm

Outlined, and a minimal bear tattoo is what this one stands for. If I had to get any one of my recommendations? It would be this arm tattoo.

The Realistic Tattoo On Arm

Unrealistically realistic, this arm tattoo will keep all evil things away because you always have a bear up your sleeve! Get it?

The Mama and Baby Bear Tattoo On Arm

This baby and mama bear tattoo is love at first sight! The purple and pink accents at the back are just, a chef’s kiss!! :*

The Persistent Bear and Woman Tattoo On Upper Arm

Bears are protectors. I don’t know what all to concur from this tattoo but one thing’s for sure. Neither the woman nor the bear can be budged from the path they’ve embarked upon, even if it’s bloody!

The Barely There Tattoo On Arm

You know someone would have to look pretty closely( Wink! Wink!) to see this extra minimalist tattoo. But it’s oh-so-adorable in ways I can’t even begin to express!

The Double Exposure Tattoo On Arm

Double exposure tattoos have that effect on you as a tattoo on-looker. They’re not just there as a tattoo. They take you with them on a nice depth-filled ride!

The Comic Tattoo On Leg

This comic-style bear with a gun in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other can be your next or first tattoo! Somehow this calf tattoo is giving me GTA Universe vibes!

The Fall Tattoo On Arm

Very Fall vibes, this tattoo with depth with every stretch of trees is pretty pretty!

The ‘Up’ Tattoo On Arm

This cute little teddy bear going all ‘Up’ ( Up- The Movie, Also it’s going up with the balloons) and up in our favorites list with every passing second.

The Standing Bear Tattoo On Arm

This grizzly bear tattoo stands out! Get it? The bear is standing… Oh, come on! but it is the first standing bear tattoo I’ve come across in my research!

The Fire Tattoo On Upper Arm

A bonfire at what seems to be a campsite(reminds me of the attack at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), and this bear roaring, combined seem like the end of a scary camp story but still so impactful.

The Family Tattoo On Upper Arm

Family is power. This bear family tattoo is just what portrays this message.

The Beast Tattoo On Arm

Can you see the ‘Beast’ from ‘Beauty and The Beast’ here or is it just me? Nevertheless, unlike the rest of the tattoos, this one is much more angry, scary, and determined.

The Sitting Bear Tattoo On Arm

Seems like this bear is about to sit with his friends catch up or just do some peaceful yoga. Anyway, it’s cute and peaceful.

The Bear and Tree Tattoo On Arm

Contemplating life, this bear is sitting right under a tree that is beautifully and finely drawn.

The Colorful Geometric Tattoo On Arm

This geometric and colorful tattoo and the shattered effect at the bottom or now that I take a good look it may as well have been broken and now is being rebuilt piece by piece. Who knows!

The Origami Tattoo On Anklet

One-of-a-kind, origami bear with a delicate shading with what I’d like to think is a rising sun, this ankle tattoo is pretty attractive.

The All-Seeing Eye Tattoo On Arm

The all-seeing eye with the all-powerful bear is going to make for an encouraging tattoo.

The Cool Bear Tattoo On Arm

The cool hat, the sunglasses, if I didn’t see know better I’d say this bear was uh-groovy!

The Bear Head Tattoo On Arm

Dot-work is the holy grail of simple yet impressive tattoos and makes this bear head one mighty!

The Cosmos and Waves Tattoo On Arm

The waves, the cosmos, and the power of this tattoo are super attractive.

The Snow Tattoo On Arm

This tattoo is for all snow lovers out there. Snow-covered mountains, freshly falling snow, and the tall and beautiful trees just make me miss winters.

The Lantern Tattoo On Arm

This traditional tattoo of a bear and lantern seems like it’s taken right out of a horror anime!

The Couple Tattoo On Thigh

You can always choose different landscapes for the tattoo if that’s something that you’d like to get. The right thigh tattoo right here has a beautiful moon, some dreamy clouds, a clear water river, and mountains and the other one has some snow-covered mountains tops glaciers in front, water, and birds flying at the top. This is a great idea for a couple’s tattoo especially when you’re two very different personalities.

The Icy Polar Bear Tattoo On Arm

This incredible polar bear tattoo seems like it’s been made out of pure ice and is giving me the chills!

The Pooh Tattoo On Arm

Who can forget this little bear that has made our childhoods full of friendship and life lessons to keep?

The Bear Balloon Tattoo On Arm

The cutest balloon you’d ever see is right here. It’s a bear, people!

The Panda Tattoo On Arm

Pandas, by nature, are known for their peaceful personality and affection for bamboo. They are thought to be the living embodiment of the Chinese yin-yang symbol of balance and harmony. This bear tattoo will always remind you to take things easy and at your own pace in life. And the moon is going to remind you to keep growing and the forever changing life!

Wonderful Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

This is done in the American traditional style and uses a lot of vibrant colors.

Marvelous Bear Tattoo on Arm

This design is super cute with the bear portraying some emotions which looks great.

Dynamic Bear Tattoo on Hand

The hand is a great place to get yourself inked especially with a roaring bear! That would certainly give the viewers an indication to not mess with you!

Flowery Bear Tattoo on Arm

Bears and flowers might represent completely different things but doesn’t the opposite attract? Plus the colors that are used here are unique.

Strong Bear Tattoo on Front Body

The chest is a great place to get yourself a bear tattoo design since the space is huge.

Stand Your Ground Bear Tattoo on Leg

The wearer has made a bear picture on its leg with the caption “Stand your Ground.” Now, the placement is perfect because the leg represents strength, the quote also shows the same, while the roaring bear is a powerful expression too!

Perfect Bear Tattoo on Stomach

I like how the American traditional tattoo style has been used here. The red color adds to the beauty of the design.

Sensual Bear Tattoo on Arm

This seems like an injured bear roaring in pain. Probably the meaning behind this tattoo is that one must come out strong no matter what difficulty it is.

Colorful Bear Tattoo on Arm

This bear tattoo is super cute and colorful. I mean… look at those eyes!

Roaring Bear Tattoo on Arm

This great bear tattoo design works well on the arms. It fits pretty perfectly!

Amazing Bear Tattoo on Shoulder

Making a bear design on the upper back is a great idea as it represents strength.

Lovely Bear Tattoo on Arm

The roaring bear in this design looks quite wild. I especially like the details that have been done here.

Small Bear Tattoo on Shoulder

This bear tattoo is made on the upper arm of the wearer and looks super nice. It also has some floral patterns which are done with beautiful colors to make it look more animated.

Nice Bear Tattoo on Hand

The hand is a great place to show off a bear tattoo design!

Creative Bear Tattoo on Front Body

This bear tattoo is made with some background reference which looks pretty good.

Ornamental Bear Tattoo on Neck

Thinking of getting a bear tattoo on the neck? That’s pretty challenging!

Generous Bear Tattoo on Thigh

The wearer has got this fierce-looking bear tattoo made on the thigh!

Cool Bear Tattoo on Front Body

The bear tattoo here covers the whole abdomen which looks pretty impressive.

California Republic Bear Tattoo on Arm

The bear tattoo here is also added with a banner that says ‘The California Republic.’ It is surely a symbolic bear!

Perky Bear Tattoo on Leg

This bear tattoo on the leg is made with black and grey shading effects which looks quite cool.

Giant Bear Tattoo on Front Body

The bear tattoo here has a lot of colors and looks pretty cool!

Calm Bear Tattoo on Foot

The foot is not the first place that one would think while getting a bear tattoo!

Traditional Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

This is a pretty great twist on the bear tattoo- that’s a tribal bear tattoo (which is somewhat better ;))

Bright Bear Tattoo on Leg

The eg is a great place to get a tattoo that fits!

Gracious Bear Tattoo on Leg

The roaring bears are one of the most common and famous kinds of bear tattoo designs.

Fantastic Bear Tattoo on Thigh

This bear tattoo is done in the American traditional style of making tattoos.

Caricature Bear Tattoo on Arm

This bear seems quite royal, to be honest!

Bloody Bear Tattoo on Arm

This design is made with the American Tradition tattoo method. The knife pierced through the bear’s face looks quite enthralling.

Lovely Bear Tattoo on Knee

What a creative place to get a bear tattoo design- the knee!

Visionary Bear Tattoo on Hand

This amazing bear tattoo done in the American traditional way is placed on the hand.

Artistic Bear Tattoo on Front Body

This design is made to cover the whole front part of the body and looks pretty interesting.

Admirable Bear Tattoo on Chest

This looks like some kind of armor or shield done in black outline ink!

Super Bear Tattoo on Leg

The calves are a great place to get inked with such a tattoo design because it represents strength.

Fantastic Bear Tattoo on Arm

This growling bear looks quite intimidating, doesn’t he?

Roaring Bear Tattoo on Arm

The colors in this tattoo look quite animating.

Energetic Bear Tattoo on Arm

This tattoo is made on the arm which looks pretty amazing and is super visible.

Black And White Bear Tattoo on Arm

The wearer has decided to go with a geometrical design here!

Flowery Bear Tattoo on Arm

The bear hiding behind a flower looks extremely cute.

Creative Bear Tattoo on Leg

This design is done with black and grey ink and steals the show!

Awesome Bear Tattoo on Arm

The arm seems to be a great place to get your bear tattoo done.

Diplomatic Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

The neon colors that have been used in this design make it unique.

Bear With Arrows Tattoo on Arm

The arrows piercing the bear are symbolic of a struggle or some problems but the roaring bear signifies coming out of them.

Fierce Bear Tattoo on Chest

This bear tattoo is quite simply done with black and grey ink!

Pleasant Bear Tattoo on Leg

This tattoo is done directly on the knee which is a great option.

Embarked Bear Tattoo on Upper Back

The bear image is added inside the paw which is a pretty innovative way to make a design.

Amazing Bear Tattoo on Chest

This roaring bear tattoo has been made right on the chest and looks quite blaring.

Smart Bear Tattoo on Chest

The strokes here are quite smooth. It fits the chest perfectly!

Enormous Bear Tattoo on Chest

Outline tattoos are er in these days since people like to make them more minimalistic.

Outline Bear Tattoo on Stomach

This bear tattoo is made with black ink and has just been outlined.

Realistic Bear Tattoo on Upper Back

This realistic tattoo design has been made on the back of the wearer.

Kingly Bear Tattoo on Front Body

You can see a lot of different elements that have been added to this tattoo design.

Marked Bear Tattoo on Arm

This tattoo is very smooth and looks super nice as well because of the various colors that have been added.

Royalistic Bear Tattoo on Chest

If you would want to give a very royalistic look to your tattoo design then this one would look pretty amazing.

Standing Bear Tattoo on Leg

The geometrical pattern that has been given helps it with the shading effects given.

Vigilant Bear Tattoo on Arm

This seems like quite a minimalistic tattoo design that has been made on the arm. One can see that not much detailing has been given and only simple black ink has been used.

Creative Bear Tattoo on Chest

This bear roaring out from the chest looks pretty scintillating!

Artistic Bear Tattoo on Arm

Not particularly a bear that can be seen in the forest, but this tattered teddy bear is quite cute.

Bouncy Bear Tattoo on Arm

This design looks pretty nice since it is a minimalistic outline design with black ink.

Awesome Bear Tattoo on Arm

This is a whole vibe going on!

Incredible Bear Tattoo on really likes how the brown shade of the bear is coordinated with the yellow flowers.

Innovative Bear Tattoo on Leg

The mandala design on the bear ks is pretty nice. It also adds vibrancy to the bear.

Multicolored Bear Tattoo on Arm

This is a beautiful bear tattoo design with loads of colors.

Nice Bear Tattoo on Arm

American tattoo style is one of the most common styles that has been there. It looks pretty cool.

Realistic Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

The upper arm is a great place to make such a realistic tattoo design. It is not only visible from this space but also covers the whole design.

Loyal Bear Tattoo on Arm

This traditional American style of tattooing is one of the show stealers.

Lovely Bear Tattoo on Wrist

The bear looks so innocent in this wrist tattoo!

Playful Bear Tattoo on Body

I like how funny this design is and at the same time quite adorable.

Polite Bear Tattoo on Arm

This is a realistic tattoo design which has been made on the prime location of the body.

Visible Bear Tattoo on Arm

Geometrics tattoos are pretty great when it comes to animal designs.

Fantastic Bear Tattoo on Arm

I like the contrast the background and the eye of the bear have on this design.

Kind Bear Tattoo on Leg

This tattoo looks super amazing and the colors add to the aesthetics.

Colorful Bear Tattoo on Arm

Such a unique creation!

Massive Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

Realism is something that always catches attention and so, this design looks quite nice.

Black Outline Bear Tattoo on Stomach

This is a great bear tattoo design and how innovatively has the designer made the belly button a part of the whole deisgn.

Funny Bear Tattoo on Arm

This is such a cute design!

Amusing Bear Tattoo on Arm

The bear in this one looks pretty innocent.

Bear Tattoo with Flower on Arm

The colors in this tattoo look quite contrasting and very eye-catching.

Shading Bear Tattoo on Hand

The bear tattoo is made on the area which has covered the whole space quite nicely.

Lively Bear Tattoo on Body

The roaring bears are always a great option!

Classic Bear Tattoo on Leg

A bear roaring is one of the most common designs that you can get!

Cali Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

The bear imprint has ‘Cali’ written on it which I infer is the reference made to California.

Supportive Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

This roaring bear with blood spewing from his mouth looks great as an artistic presentation.

Sweet Bear Tattoo on Leg

The leg is a great place to get this colorful design made.

Genetic Bear Tattoo on Shoulder

There is a lot of symmetry going on with this design. The geometrical patterns always steal the show.

Fabulous Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

This is the traditional American Tattoo Style that captures everyone’s attention.

Excellent Bear Tattoo on Arm

The roaring bear tattoo looks super nice on the arm. It is realistic and the arm is a great place to put this tattoo up.

Persistent Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

This resembles the tattoo that has been made up. It looks super realistic and I really like the addition of the forest in an animated way on top of the bear.

Smart Bear Tattoo on Chest

The chest is a great place to get the brown bear tattoo. The roaring bear looks pretty cool.

Relaxed Bear Tattoo on Arm

This is a minimalistic tattoo design that has been made on the arm of the wearer. It is done in an outline style with a little shading effect.

Wondrous Bear Tattoo on Arm

The bear tattoo in this one has various elements that covers the whole arm.

Black and Red Bear Tattoo on Chest

This growling fierce bear has been made in American Tradition style and looks quite nice.

Agreeable Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

This is a realistic image of a growling bear!

Inventive Bear Tattoo on Chest

This tattoo has covered the chest of the wearer and the intricate pattern on the daily seems painful! (ouch!)

Feathery Bear Tattoo on Body

This tribal bear made on the ribs of the wearer is super nice and very colorful!

Inventive Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

I like the patterns that are added with this bear tattoo designs.

Cute Bear Tattoo on Arm

This is a super weird design, I would say. The teddy bear is cute but the kind of implications it has….seems uncanny!

Vigorous Bear Tattoo on Arm

This bear is in an attack position! The details made in this tattoo are super amazing. Look at that fur!

Generous Bear Tattoo on Hand

The arm is a great place for such a tattoo design that might represent your personality.

Vital Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

I like the mixture of the animated version and the fierce nature of the animal.

Imaginative Bear Tattoo on Upper Thigh

This seems like something supernatural, doesn’t it?

Fascinating Bear Tattoo on Arm

The arrow piercing through the bear’s heat is super signficiant as it can denote various problems in one’s life.

Focussed Bear Tattoo on Arm

This realistic tattoo of a bear looks as cute as a caricature deisgn.

Hunter Bear Tattoo on Leg

That’s a bear catching its prey!

Creative Bear Tattoo on Arm

American traditional tattoos are usually the one that is on the rise and we can see why! This tattoo is beautiful!

Up And Down Bear Tattoo on Back

This tattoo has covered the whole abdomen of the wearer!

Massive Bear Tattoo on Leg

This design can alternatively be made on the back!

Starry Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

The deisgn seems to be really spectacular!

Hooter Bear Tattoo on Arm

How realistic this design is! I also like the addition of the other smaller animal with a fish in its mouth.

Sparkling Bear Tattoo on Chest

The galaxy theme that has been given to this tattoo is quite amazing.

Imaginative Bear Tattoo on Arm

The bottom half of the design is a great addition to set the whole theme.

Geometric Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

This bear design is extensively added with dot work and bold line designs.

Multicolor Bear Tattoo on Arm

I really like this addition of the Japanese sun at the back!

Calm Bear Tattoo on Arm

How adorable this little bear looks!

Cool Bear Tattoo on Leg

The roaring bear is added with more elements like the scenery which gives the design a different perspective.

Gracious Bear Tattoo on Leg

The beautiful colors that the bear has looked pretty great. It has a mix of contrasting colors which looks quite nice.

Dynamic Bear Tattoo on Upper Chest

This design is a great one that is made on the chest as it fits the area perfectly.

Miraculous Bear Tattoo on Chest

I like the galaxy colors that have been given inside the body of the bear. It makes the design more animated.

Natural Bear Tattoo on Arm

Picture in picture tattoo looks pretty deep, don’t they?

Charming Bear Tattoo on Chest

This roaring bear is right there in the middle of the chest of the wearer and looks very animated.

Determinative Bear Tattoo on Arm

I like how the colors are also flowing together with the roaring bear! It is quite nice.

Energetic Bear Tattoo on Body

Quite an unnatural placement idea for the bear tattoo, this one is added with a lot of elements.

Loyal Bear Tattoo on Shoulder

This is a personification of the animal done right. I think it looks quite a charming design.

Colorful Bear Tattoo on Arm

This bear tattoo is also added with a wolf design. Both the animals are colored with beautiful watercolors.

Lovable Bear Tattoo on Chest

I like the reclaim along with the colors which make it look super animated.

Perfect Bear Tattoo on Arm

A minimalistic tattoo at first, this design is also added with beautiful colors in the background. It looks super cute.

Sharp Bear Tattoo on Arm

This is a try at making a realistic-looking bear tattoo design which is super cool. It is also added with leaves which are quite a great reference to nature.

Small Bear Tattoo on Upper Body

This geometric bear tattoo design is super cool. It is made with a beautiful tint of colors that looks super nice.

Interesting Bear Tattoo on Chest

This bear tattoo covers the whole body of the wearer. It is quite a huge design with flowers on the side.

Some Are Dead Bear Tattoo on Upper Arm

This is not just the face of the bear but also the whole body of the bear in a single tattoo. The design looks pretty nice on the arm with the banner that says “Some are dead, some are living.” I am sure that it is a dedication to some loved ones.