What Kind Of Bear Is Joe Bruin?

UCLA football, representing the University of California, Los Angeles, competes at the highest level of college football. The team plays home games at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. With a rich history and strong tradition, UCLA football has produced notable players and memorable moments. Competing in the Pac-12 Conference, the Bruins aim for excellence on the gridiron. The dedicated coaching staff and passionate fan base make UCLA football a dynamic and exciting part of the university's athletic program, with a commitment to pursuing victory and upholding the Bruin legacy.

There are few college mascots as iconic and beloved as Joe Bruin, the official mascot of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This charismatic bear has been a symbol of Bruin pride and tradition for decades, but have you ever wondered what kind of bear Joe Bruin actually is? In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating world of UCLA's mascot and unveil the mystery behind his bear identity.

UCLA Mascot

Before we explore Joe Bruin's bear species, let's appreciate the importance of this iconic UCLA mascot. Joe Bruin is more than just a costumed character; he's a living symbol of the university's spirit, unity, and pride. His presence at sporting events and other university activities serves as a unifying force, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and fans in a shared celebration of all things UCLA.

A Closer Look at Joe's Appearance

Joe Bruin is instantly recognizable with his friendly, anthropomorphic bear costume. He sports the signature UCLA blue and gold attire with a cheerful smile and an approachable demeanor. Joe's appearance is carefully designed to embody the spirit of the Bruins and foster a sense of belonging within the UCLA community. But do you know the story behind Joe Bruin's real bear identity?

The Bear Behind the UCLA Mascot

In 1950, UCLA sought a mascot and acquired Little Joe Bruin, a Himalayan bear cub from India. Efforts to hide live bears around campus followed, but due to size constraints, one ended up in a circus. Another bear, Josephine, arrived in 1961, briefly living in an alumnus's backyard before relocating to the San Diego Zoo. These attempts with live bear mascots were unsuccessful.

As the live bear mascot attempts proved challenging, UCLA designed a custom Bruin bear mascot named Joe Bruin. Joe Bruin represents a specific species of bear, often identified as a brown bear, specifically an anthropomorphic male brown bear. This species, scientifically known as Ursus arctos horribilis, is commonly called the grizzly bear in North America. Grizzly bears are known for their distinctive hump on their shoulders, a muscle mass used for digging and foraging.

Why the Choice of a Brown Bear?

The selection of a brown bear as UCLA's mascot is not arbitrary. Brown bears symbolize strength, resilience, and a connection to nature—qualities resonating with UCLA's values and spirit.

Brown bears are also found in various regions of North America, including California, making them a suitable representation of the university's location and ties to the state. The choice of a brown bear reflects a deep connection to the local environment and reinforces the university's commitment to embracing California's rich natural heritage.

Joe's Role in UCLA's Legacy

Joe Bruin's identity as a brown bear significantly influences UCLA's legacy and tradition. He stands as a living symbol of the university's values, reminding the community of its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.

As a brown bear, Joe symbolizes the enduring spirit of UCLA, fostering pride and unity among Bruins of all backgrounds. Whether he's energizing the crowd at a football game or participating in campus activities, Joe Bruin embodies the essence of what it means to be part of the UCLA family.