As you probably know, the model of our beloved bears is changing in Legion. And regardless of whether you like the new model or not you'll most likely agree that it looks very different to the old one and that the forced change on an existing pet will be somewhat jarring. It's unusual for them to completely replace a model with one that looks so different, so I'm not sure why they chose to do it with a popular pet like this. But anyway, they are.
Fortunately, however, a very kind soul at Blizzard has offered a solution of sorts. Or at least a way of still getting the old appearances.
Essentially a number of existing rare bears are being changed back to their original, retro looks, with a few new rares created to cover the rest. In cases where two current rare bears share the same look, one has the retro look and other seems to have the new look. So if your bear is already a rare tame (such as my beloved Bjarn) then you *may* be in luck and it may retain its appearance. Otherwise you may have to seek out an appropriate rare if you want to swap in the look.
Not all looks are covered so far.
All looks have now been discovered!
Rares that have been switched back to their retro appearance :
BearSkinBlack :
Ursol'lok
BearSkinBrown :
Mongress
BearSkinDrkBrown :
Grizzled Ben
BearSkinWhite :
Bjarn
BearSkinBlueDiseased :
Mange
BearSkinBrownDiseased :
Big Samras
BearSkinWhiteDiseased :
Hibernus the Sleeper
Looks covered by new rares :
BearSkinBlue :
Grimrot in Felwood. This version possibly only spawns during the day. At night it has been spotted using a different ID and appearance (below).
BearSkinBlackDiseased :
Grimrot in Felwood. This version possibly only spawns at night. During the day it has been spotted using a different ID and appearance (above).
BearSkinDrkBrownDiseased :
Ol' Muddle in The Hinterlands.
Existing rares that still use the new bear look:
Old Grizzlegut
Little Bjorn