Male after bear symbol (5)
I believe the answer is:
totem
'symbol' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'male after bear' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'bear' becomes 'tote' (I've seen this before).
'm' put after 'tote' is 'TOTEM'.
(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "something sacred" , "charming symbol, say" , "Sort of pole" , "Emblem, maybe on pole" , "Natural emblem of spiritual significance" .)