OBJEE – LIVE BEAR AT USCGA

The academy used to keep a live bear on academy grounds that would occasionally roam the barracks. Cadets would put food out in the hallway when it walked by. In 1983, after a total of 27 bears, the habit was discontinued due to public concern.

Objee is the beloved Mascot of the Coast Guard Academy.

In 1926 the Academy selected the Black Bear as its mascot, because the bear is bold and tenacious, attributes befitting the Coast Guard and its officers.

Soon a live cub arrived on campus. She was named “Objee,” which is short for “objectionable presence,” in deference to the city of New London’s popular objection to the presence of a live bear. Objee lived up to the name, breaking out of her pen, climbing into an officer’s new car, and shredding the interior.

Objee was thus exiled to the Navy Yard in Washington, but broke out again and thus donated to the Washington Zoo. In 1928, Objee was replaced with Objee II, who hailed from Michigan and by all accounts settled down.

Cadets took care of Objee. Objee ate in the cadet wardroom and even showered with cadets. The bear would occasionally roam the barracks. Cadets would put food out in the hallway when it walked by. 27 bear cubs fulfilled mascot duties during the 57 years the Coast Guard Academy kept a live mascot on campus. They were housed near the Observatory.

In 1984 Objee XXXI, a 250 pound Black Bear, was retired to a Widmark Farms in upstate New York, the last living mascot.

https://www.uscga.edu/objee-the-bear/