Dang Boy, that came out really nice. At first in the pictures of the rough cut form, I thought, hey, didn't he say it was a Black Bear? It looked like a Griz. But I thought, well I will wait to see if he takes the hump down, and lessens the dish face of a Griz. Then you did! Then the white claws, I thought he is going to color them, black, or dark brown. You did! A great job sir! Very good indeed! I am sure your friend will love it. If not, I will stand in for him as your Friend!
Have you tried using a small wire brush to simulate the hair pattern? Anyway, outstanding job! Yeah, it is always nerve racking when you make something for a Friend, or Family member, because you are much more self critical of your work.
Lets see some more! I finally got my Girlfriend into wood carving, and I should have let well enough alone! She has gone hog wild with it!
Wayne