In 2009, a bear monument was installed on Pervomayskaya Street in Yaroslavl, quickly becoming a popular city attraction. Now every tourist strives to rub the sculpture and make a wish, hoping that the kind bear will fulfill their dreams. Locals even worry that due to such popularity, there will soon be no untouched spots on the sculpture. The monument was gifted to the city by a society of patrons and is linked to the legend of Yaroslav the Wise, the founder of the city. According to legend, after the adoption of Christianity, the angry pagan god Veles sent a fierce bear to the people, which the prince killed during a hunt. After this victory, the prince decided to establish a settlement at this site.

The sculpture depicts the bear in motion and tension, as if it is climbing up the stone pedestal, chasing prey or surveying its territory. The inscription on the pedestal reads: "Symbol of Russia, legend of Yaroslavl," referring to the historical events of the city's founding. Every hour from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the bear emits a terrifying roar, which many find strange and unlike a real roar, more reminiscent of a guttural metallic rasp.

The monument is small; the sculptor chose not to make it life-sized but achieved a remarkable resemblance to a real bear. The figure looks alive and ready to defend its territory at any moment.