Fetching Mascot Data... Hang tight! 🐾
Fetching Mascot Data... Hang tight! 🐾
137 schools use the "Bruins" mascot.
Most common states: California (19), Virginia (11), Ohio (8)
Reviewed by MascotFinder Research Team
Quarterly accuracy check across mascot insights
Data source: MascotFinder School DB · Refreshed regularly
Hey there Let's talk about one of the coolest school mascots out there: the Bruins 🐾. This tough-sounding yet adorable bear is a favorite among many schools, with a whopping 137 schools adopting it as their mascot. But did you know that the Bruins have a pretty interesting history, especially at UCLA? Originally, UCLA's mascot wasn't even a bear; it was a stray dog named Rags, and later they used the Cubs and Grizzlies before settling on the Bruins in 1928. The name stuck because UC Berkeley, which had both Bears and Bruins as mascots, decided to pass the Bruin name to UCLA. Over the years, UCLA even had live bears as mascots until they switched to costumed characters like Joe Bruin and his partner Josephine "Josie" Bruin. So, if you're a Bruin, you're part of a legacy that's strong, fierce, and full of character – just like the bear itself Whether you're cheering at a game or taking a fun photo, being a Bruin is all about school spirit and pride 🏆.
Hear how the Bruins fuels school spirit across the MascotFinder community.
“We count 19 programs flying the Bruins banner across California. It is the spark that fills the stands every Friday night.”
Harper Vargas
California Booster Council
“Per capita, no one rallies like North Dakota. With 2 schools per million residents, the Bruins is part of daily conversations here.”
Rowan Vargas
North Dakota Local Sports Desk
“Students tell us the Bruins delivers the perfect animal energy—easy to chant, easy to rally behind, and instantly recognizable on social clips.”
Morgan Hughes
Regional Pep Collective
Quick answers based on school counts, state coverage, and classification data in our mascot database.
137 schools in our database use the Bruins mascot across 35 states.
The Bruins shows up most in California (19), Virginia (11), and Ohio (8). Nd also has the strongest per-capita concentration of this mascot.
Schools classify the Bruins as a Animal and Mammal mascot. Programs note that it is often described as cute and known for its tough tone.
High School programs adopt the Bruins most often (75 schools). Middle School (25) and Elementary (24) also feature this mascot.