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Baylor BU Baylor Bear Habitat About Our Bears
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Our Bears

Judge Indy

Baylor mascot North American black bear, Indy

Namesake: The largest cub from her litter, Indy will likely be easy to identify throughout her lifetime as the larger of the two bears. Naturally, she has taken the more dominant role and was immediately observed as being the more independent of the pair. In the Baylor Family, Indy calls to mind the birthplace of Baylor University in Independence, Texas, some 100 miles from the heart of the Waco campus. This historic site and the four remaining columns from early Baylor life serve as a gathering point for new students who are learning about Baylor’s mission and traditions through Baylor Line camp.

Distinguishing feature: Indy's ears are frequently extended out away from her head, lovingly referred to as her "Yoda ears"

Birthdate: January 24, 2023

Weight: 240 lbs. (as of January 2025)

Favorite activities: Water time, exploring logs and tires

Favorite snacks: Dried blueberries, cherries, raisins, carrots, sweet potatoes

Fun Fact: Like her namesake, Indy is very independent. She loves being in trees for hours!


Judge Belle

Baylor mascot North American black bear, Belle

Namesake: Small in stature with a big personality, Belle was the smallest cub from her litter. Despite the size differential with her cousin, Belle is not one to back down from a good wrestling session with Indy but is often the first to walk away to enjoy a stroll through the wildflowers. Belle is named as an ode to the McLane Carillon bells – housed in the iconic tower of Pat Neff Hall – whose chimes across campus have provided the soundtrack for thousands of Baylor students who have called Baylor home. Similar to the chimes from the carillon towers, Belle has been known to make her own vocal music, often signaling her feelings around feeding and play times with loud squawks and chirps.

Distinguishing feature: Belle's ears are frequently tucked back and closer to her head

Birthdate: January 29, 2023

Weight: 232 lbs. (as of January 2025)

Favorite activities: Climbing and playtime with Indy

Favorite snacks: Smoothies with strawberries, blueberries, broccoli and kale, dried fruits

Fun Fact: Like Lady before her, Belle uses her left paw for Sic'ems. Both bears debuted their Sic 'ems at Homecoming 2024.


Two American black bear cubs running in a green grass field

Judge Indy and Judge Belle as cubs.

 

Grown Indy and Belle

Judge Indy and Judge Belle in January, 2025.

Baylor Bear Habitat

Bill & Eva Williams Habitat
M.P. Daniel Esplanade
Waco, TX 76706

Baylor Chamber of Commerce
Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB) basement
1311 S. 5th Street, Waco TX 76706

One Bear Place #97074
Waco, TX 76798

(254) 710-3322

Accredited and Licensed by

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Baylor BU Baylor Bear Habitat About Our Bears
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