The Falling Bear meme originated from a famous 2012 photograph of a sedated black bear falling from a tree at the University of Colorado Boulder. The image, captured by student photographer Andy Duann, perfectly depicts the bear in a state of weightless, splayed-out helplessness before landing on a safety mat. It became an instant viral sensation, evolving into a metaphor for sudden failures, stock market crashes, or the feeling of life coming at you fast. Its enduring popularity stems from its relatable depiction of an inevitable and awkward descent.