It's actually based on a common bear figure in Zuni fetish art (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuni_fet…). As a kid we went camping in Colorado, and to get there we had to drive through New Mexico, where the Zuni people are from. Their art is very popular in the area and you can buy the tiny sculptures at every place you stop going through New Mexico and into Colorado. A bear is one of the most common figures. I have a strong association in my mind with the Zuni art and camping 
Ooooo that’s cool!