significance of bears in russian culture?

[bassproguy07]

Anyone know if there is any significance of bears in russian culture? I am writing a research paper for my photography class on a picture taken by a russian photographer. A lot of his work includes bears, so I was wondering if there is anything in russian culture that bears represent. The title of the picture is Politics make strange bedfellows. I did a google search but didn't find anything, if anyone knows anything about russian culture please let me know.

 

[Timmbo]

This isn't related greatly to Russian culture, but I believe Otto von Bismarck referred to Russia as 'The Bear', alluding to it's undefeatable nature.

 

[weckart]

The current Russian president's surname is Bear (Myedvyed' = Bear). Bears feature a lot in Russian folklore. As do wolves. Otherwise, the national symbol is an eagle.

 

[EV0LUTION]

Mother Russia!

 

[Eidorian]

Bear Cavalry