These bears were shaped in the landscape through a shared belief and necessity, their existence feeling powerful and almost tangible. Although it's unclear why they were created, their presence speaks to a deep connection between people and place, suggesting that these sculptures are more than mere art—they are a manifestation of history and spirit embedded in the land.

"The bears and birds and snakes written on the body of the Earth through the hands of humans who dwelled here in the Upper Mississippi River Valley are a reminder that we form the future by being caretakers of our past." This highlights how ancient effigies serve as a record of cultural memory, emphasizing our ongoing responsibility to honor and preserve the legacy of those who came before us.