The setting of teddy bears! is serene, almost heavenly. The cubs look off to the distance, peaceful and unafraid. Their mother is close by witnessing the same things as her cubs. Their collective attention is in the distance. There are no travelers on the man-made path along the bank of the river. The cubs cling to a tree that reinforces the notion of groundedness, while their mother searches for food below them. Unlike most of Hunter’s other works, there is a family unit pictured here. Perhaps the artist is longing for the chance to protect his children, provide for them, and be at peace. Calling the work teddy bears! rather than bears invokes a certain sense of playfulness and innocence.