'Koots', the regimental mascot of the 54th (Kootenay) Battalion, WWI

Alexander McKee.  Vimy Ridge.  Pan, 1966.

Bears were popular mascots back then.  "Winnie the Pooh" was based on a real bear cub named "Winnie" (after the city of Winnipeg) that was the mascot for the Fort Garry Horse of that Manitoba city.