Lava Bears – Bend (OR) Senior High School

Did they consider naming themselves the Downs? The Overs? The Backwards?  

Bend is in central Oregon, on a bend on the Deschutes River. It’s got not quite 100,000 people, making it the state’s 7th largest city. It’s a big destination for tourism, especially of the outdoor kind (skiing, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, even golf). It’s in the high desert, with lots of ancient lava beds around.

Which brings us to that bear … First of all, it is an actual thing. And, yes, it did indeed live among those lava beds. In fact, that harsh environment resulted in something of a mini bear, just slightly bigger than a badger. Though once thought to be a separate species, it turned out to be just a miniature version of a black bear. It’s also known as a dwarf grizzly, North American sun bear & sand lapper. Unfortunately, it’s also now extinct. 

As a mascot for the high school, the bear goes back exactly 100 years, to 1924. In 2013, it was named the top HS mascot in Oregon in survey by The Oregonian. And, yes, they do have a live, on-the-field mascot, though he’s definitely larger than a badger.

The high school itself dates back to 1904, and currently has about 1,300 students. Wikipedia lists 8 “notable” alumni, none of which I’ve heard of. And that includes the wonderfully named Kiki Cutter, former Olympic skier (middle).