It began as someone else’s idea posted on a Facebook page called Project Quarantine 2020. This is a page dedicated to fostering joy and community connection during this season of shelter in place.

The post was called “Start a Bear Hunt” fashioned after the book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.

The idea is to put Teddy bears in windows or on porches so children can search for bears while out walking with their families. I suggested my neighborhood — a charming district called Niles — give it a try, and the idea took off. 

“Look close for a special bear on the corner. He hopes to heal your spirits.”

“I have one, and my daughter and I went for a walk today, and there were four others that we saw along the way. People will add more, I’m sure. Even for adults, it was sure fun to look for them.”

“Got a brown bear in the front window – I think the kids will love it. Wish my great nephews/nieces were here to hunt with me.”

As of now, bears abound on at least 21 streets in my neighborhood. I suspect the number will grow. Everyone seems excited about it, asking questions, sharing locations. 

As they become untethered from the demands of daily life, people are looking for ways to feel connected, productive, and helpful.  

Even though I don’t have any littles with whom to enjoy bear hunts, the idea and the enthusiasm with which people have embraced the project have warmed my heart. As they become untethered from the demands of daily life, people are looking for ways to feel connected, productive, and helpful.  

With the help of social media, people are sharing where to find toilet paper (I still don’t understand this hoarding obsession) and bananas, yeast, and bread. People are sharing recipes and book titles. And there is a fair share of silliness to go around.

I love these people. Some I know. I will never meet many of them, but they have become the perfect companions with which to share this strange journey.