When Jeff stood on his head, the crowd went “bananas” — giving rise to the name of all future UMaine bear mascots. From 1915–66, Jeff was succeeded by many live bear mascots. The last was Cindy Bananas. After live mascots were outlawed in …

As the tiny black bear entered the auditorium, the surprised crowd applauded enthusiastically. When Jeff stood on his head, the crowd went “bananas” — giving rise to the name of all future UMaine bear mascots.

Nov 21, 2022 · The University of Maine has had a black bear as its mascot since 1914. The first was a live black bear cub named Jeff. The university used live black bears up until 1969 when live mascots were banned in Maine. The last live black bear they had was Cindy Bananas. Their subsequent mascots have all had the name ‘Bananas T Bear’.

Feb 27, 2020 · A small black bear cub named Jeff, born on the northeast slope of Mount Katahdin, was presented to O.B. Fernandez, a former Old Town police chief and collector of wild animals, in 1914. Fernandez loaned the bear to the university, where Jeff was introduced at …

Oct 13, 2022 · According to a "History of the Maine Bear" published in 1984 by UMaine's Sigma Xi fraternity chapter, which is now the keeper of Bananas, an Old Town animal collector gifted a black bear cub named Jeff to the UMaine football team.

Jul 14, 2022 · According to UMaine’s Sigma Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega community service fraternity, it all started back in 1914 when a small black bear named Jeff was loaned to the school by a local animal collector. The small bear was brought to a game and met with wild applause.

Mar 2, 2020 · – 1903: The University of Maine adopts an elephant previously used to advertise a nearby store as its first mascot, which would come to be named Bolivar. – 1914: A live black bear cub named Jeff is brought to a UMaine football game, which is said to …

Dec 13, 2022 · According to UMaine lore, the first mascot was a baby bear dubbed Jeff by Orman Fernandez, the Old Town chief of police to whom the cub was given. Reportedly, the cub was found somewhere near Katahdin and “gifted” to Fernandez, who collected wild animals and later loaned his bear to the university.

Apr 13, 2015 · Any University of Maine student will recognize the school’s mascot: Bananas T. Bear. Dressed in his traditional Maine jersey and hat, he is one of the most recognizable figures on campus. What many do not know is the extensive history behind our 101-year-old mascot.

841 likes, 3 comments - university.of.maine on June 13, 2024: "TIL that UMaine's original black bear mascot was named Jeff. . . . . . [Image description: The Fighting Black Bear Statue on the Mall.] #UMaine #Maine #BlackBears".