Bear vs Deer

 I have never seen a bear in the wild. I have tried in several places where people report frequent encounters: North Vancouver, Whistler, Banff, and Jasper. Now, here I am, standing next to a river abundant with nutritious salmon on a bear search tour in Hoonah, Chichagof Island, Alaska. The island is home to the world’s highest concentration of brown bears, with approximately three bears per square mile. And yet, there is no bear in sight.

It seems no coincidence that a bear has never appeared before me. Clearly, the bear is not my spirit animal. I learned that In indigenous cultures, such as the local Tlingit, the bear symbolizes strength, courage, sovereignty, and leadership, and a deep, primal connection to the earth and personal inner power. The bear is a guide for introspection and finding balance. It embodies the ability to overcome challenges.” It’s as if my guiding spirit is the animal that is the very opposite of the bear.

I did see several local Sitka black-tailed deer. I asked the AI to consider this species as my symbolic “spirit animal,” and it gave an answer that resonates with me:

Like the Sitka deer that startles easily and holds back from risk, its shadow side suggests a tendency to hide my true self behind caution, choosing safety over uncertainty.