There a quite a few places that sell these bears here in CO. I think they are made in state and they also appear to be hand made. They could also be made via computer guided cutter. The prices go for about $50 a foot  (+ or -)  They will ship for additional charges. I don't see a bunch of sold ones around. 

Do you think these are hand made with a cutter?

 

I would think that the time consumed selecting the wood, seasoning it and then carving it would cause the selling price to be higher to make a go of it. 

What do you think?

I don't know Ron about those bears, but where I live, just up the mountain bear carving is pretty popular, I sat and watched a bear with as much detail as the ones in your image, carved in under 10 minutes. They do them really fast!!!

Here in Montana they are also popular and I have seen them carving them out too. Very similar design in bears and there are similar designs with a moose. 

 

I did not stick around to see how long it takes to make them, so that I don't know. But the ones I looked at had a big relief cut down the back to essentially act as a control crack for drying. 

Ron, check with Patriot member Dale Felice- http://thepatriotwoodworker.com/profile/4163-dale-felice/?wr=eyJhcHAiOiJnYWxsZXJ5IiwibW9kdWxlIjoiZ2FsbGVyeSIsImlkXzEiOjExNTd9 He makes these and has quite a few displayed here on the site.

Bears are typically easy. Chainsaw sculptors. Com has a very basic idea on them... a 4' takes me about 2 or so hrs. Black bear vs grizzly..... very different features in face and fur. I like to airbrush both as the stain creates a glow on them. I'd like to do a cinamon bear from cherry as the color would dictate so. Eyes must be small. Big eyes make it comic like. The nose detail similar to a golden lab. Big and burly. Claws are variable from highly detailed to just rounded fists. Feet must point out or they look pigeon toed. Not a bad thing but helps it look more realistic.

1 minute ago, Dale Felice said:

Bears are typically easy. Chainsaw sculptors. Com has a very basic idea on them... a 4' takes me about 2 or so hrs. Black bear vs grizzly..... very different features in face and fur. I like to airbrush both as the stain creates a glow on them. I'd like to do a cinamon bear from cherry as the color would dictate so. Eyes must be small. Big eyes make it comic like. The nose detail similar to a golden lab. Big and burly. Claws are variable from highly detailed to just rounded fists. Feet must point out or they look pigeon toed. Not a bad thing but helps it look more realistic.

Interesting and good information - Thanks!

Welcome sir if anyone needs help ill get the answer on the carving. 

There is a guy not too far from here that I watched carve one with a chainsaw. It was pretty awesome. I have a hard time getting a straight cut on firewood! 

 

A friend we were with bought two of them after he finished carving. One sits next to his front door, the other on the covered patio.

I just did one in front of woodburner in our living room.  Everyone beware! If you buy them ask for care of the carving. If outdoors the wood must breathe and often cracks. I just hit em with like walmart krylon fusion paint and forget about it. Every six months I put timber oil on them. It keeps uv off of em. It also keeps out mold etc. DO NOT USE SPAR OR POLY IF OUTSIDE!!! Thompson timber oil is cheaper than cabot Australian timber oil but do the same. Try to keep em outta the sun if "green" I have seen carvers sell em and they crack in half due to no treatment and the owner gets upset. I include a how to by mouth and by paper on proper care. Not many ppl who buy know this.

Ron didn't see first post. Those are what I call mass produced speed carved. In other words the chainsaw guy has a plan and quick carves them. Prices vary due to detail etc. Green wood must breathe. I have cut and seen dried timber too. They both crack because its a living thing changing a shape. The best thing is to OIL them with timber oil of your choice. I've seen carvings all they way to like $50, 000.00. It gets crazy. I figure it this way..... instead of firewood, lets give it a second chance. Usually a 4' bear can go from 100 - 600 $. Depending on color, fur, face detail. Caricature or life like etc.

You can relief crack cut in the back..... what I do is take a sliver off.... let it set and see where it cracks. Thats where I put it to the rear so its hidden. If the crack gets big.... I glue up shims and shave em off and repaint.

Man you've learned a ton since the beginnings Dale! You sound like a pro! And you carve like a pro! 

Thanks for all your pro advice on this subject.

No problem!  I may add too. If gluing up go poly for timber. Expensive yep but you don't need to moisten because the timber is up in moisture content.  Glue it.... let cure fully and carve! Sometimes you have to glue up because the carving is too big or outside of the log diameter. Eagles wings wide open is an example. Hope it helps!

Well, now I know. Thanks to all who answered, especially Dale

Welcome sir! Let me know if you have any questions!