In gay culture, a bear is one of two things: either he's a man who tends toward the heavyset, and who likes cuddling with other heavyset men, or alternately, he's a man who is heavyset and hairy all over his body.  This second type of bear favours facial hair, usually beards, although it is paradoxically not uncommon for such men to have a shaven scalp.  There is considerable overlap between the two different definitions, and arguably, the true bear qualifies for both of them.

Bears are called bears because of their hair and their body shape, which in some ways resemble that of the animal.  The bear is also a powerful animal, strong and fierce, and that imagery too is a part of Bear identity.  This name has led to a number of other names following on from it – polar bears are white or grey haired bears, cubs are younger bears, and so on.

Although there are sub grouping within the wider bear culture, most bears are still interested in cuddling and stroking just as much as they are in sex.  The avergage bear tends to be older – in his thirties or forties – than the standard idea of the gay man.  Likewise, they are not nearly as concerned with physical fitness as the gay stereotype suggests – although there are muscle bears, they are in the minority.  In fact, in the bear scene, pot bellies and copious body hair are almost always considered to be attractive features – just about the reverse of what you might see on 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy', although certainly no less queer or proud about it.

Of all the different types of gay man, the bear is perhaps second in recognisability only to the drag queen outside of the gay community.  Bears often dress in leather, especially brown or black leather – which may at times include fetish wear.  In addition, Bears are often very masculine, and frequently sport tattoos, body piercings or both.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the historical origins of the bear culture in San Fransisco, bears are one of the few subcultural groups within the wider gay community to have their own flag.

Bear DVDs feature Bear actors in leading roles, although not always exclusively – most will have bears in a variety of sexual roles with other gay men, but not all of the men will necessarily be bears.  Noted actors in bear pornography include Hank Hightower, Steve Hurley, Dean Peters, Jack Radcliffe, Mickey Squires, and Buster (no last name), and the Furry Features Series line of videos by Catalina Video boasts a range of popular bear DVDs that are favourites among bears and bear chasers alike.