Reclusive and withdrawn in nature, black bears tend to keep themselves in isolation. Black bears are also excellent climbs. All bears climb tress, but because the black bear is smaller he can climb to higher branches without the burden of extra weight. Black bear teaches the importance of unburdening yourself in order to attain higher knowledge.
Ted Andrews, author of Animal Speak says "Anyone with a bear totem should keep the cub in themselves alive and occasionally climb tress--if only to get a clear perspective." Black bears are very playful, as a totem they teach us to stay connected to the child within.