Russia does not have one single animal designated as its official national animal. The common search query reveals a split between the formal state symbol, the Double-Headed Eagle, and the widely recognized popular emblem, the Eurasian Brown Bear. Each represents a distinct aspect of Russian identity and history.
The Official State Symbol: The Double-Headed Eagle
The official symbol of the Russian Federation is the Double-Headed Eagle, which serves as the country’s coat of arms. This emblem traces its roots back to the 15th century, adopted by Grand Prince Ivan III following his marriage to Sophia Palaiologina, niece of the last Byzantine Emperor. The adoption was intended to signify Moscow’s claim as the successor to the Byzantine Empire and the center of Orthodox Christianity.
The eagle remained the symbol of the Russian monarchy for over four centuries until the October Revolution of 1917, when it was replaced by Soviet symbols like the hammer and sickle. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Double-Headed Eagle was officially restored as the state emblem in 1993, signifying a return to historical continuity.
The two heads of the eagle look in opposite directions, symbolizing Russia’s vast geographical expanse across both Europe and Asia. Interpretations also suggest the dual heads represent vigilance over both secular governance and spiritual faith, reinforcing the historical intertwining of church and state. In its talons, the golden eagle clutches an orb and a scepter, traditional symbols of sovereignty and authority.
The Popular Choice: The Eurasian Brown Bear
The Eurasian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos), often called the Russian Bear, is the popular choice for the national animal. This symbol is not a formal state emblem but is an international and domestic personification of the country, widespread since at least the 16th century. The bear’s status evolved naturally from its prevalence across the vast Russian landscape, especially in the dense Siberian forests.
The Eurasian Brown Bear is a fitting symbol due to its immense size and strength. Some subspecies, like the Kamchatka Brown Bear, can reach weights up to 700 kilograms. This raw power and untamed wildness are seen as mirroring the spirit of the Russian wilderness and the resilience of its people.
While the Double-Headed Eagle is limited to official state documents and insignia, the bear is used widely in political, cultural, and sporting contexts. In the early 1990s, after the Soviet collapse, some members of the Russian Parliament even supported having the bear replace the eagle as the new coat of arms, acknowledging its global identification with the nation.
Cultural Significance of the Bear
The Brown Bear is deeply ingrained in Russian culture, appearing frequently in folklore, literature, and the modern political landscape. In ancient Slavic traditions, the bear was often seen as the lord of the forest, a sacred animal associated with power and wisdom. The Russian word for bear, medved, literally translates to “honey-knower,” an ancient euphemism used to avoid speaking its true, feared name.
This symbolism carries a duality, representing both national pride and an external stereotype. In Western media and political cartoons, the bear was often depicted as a clumsy, brutal, or aggressive force. Russians embrace the bear for its enduring nature and power, though they also sometimes use the term to describe a kind but physically awkward person.
The most famous modern cultural appearance of the bear was Misha, the mascot for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. Designed as a small, smiling cub, Misha was a deliberate attempt by the Soviet Union to present a gentler, more approachable image, countering the prevailing Western stereotype. Misha achieved significant commercial success and remains a beloved cultural icon, showing the bear’s ability to represent the nation in a positive way.