posted July 14, 2004 04:42 AM
Hello eightdegrees 
You were told right, a bear can symbolize several things, depending upon the context.
The first thing to consider is who the friend in the car represents. She could represent someone you actually know, or she could be an aspect of self. Let's begin with the latter assumption ... a few questions:
Is there an "overbearing" person in the forefront of some current situation in your waking life?
Is someone angry at you? Or are you angry at someone else, or yourself?
Is there a person or situation that reminds you of this bear?