The History Behind New Bern's Bear Mascot

NEW BERN, N.C. -- New Bern's mascot "the Bear" is a part of the unique history visitors travel to learn about each year.

In 1710, New Bern was founded by a group of settlers from Bern, Switzerland which was a city named after the first animal a group of hunters first came upon -- a bear.

New Bern adopted the animal as a mascot and placed about 58 fiberglass, ceramic bears throughout the city during its 300th anniversary in 2010.

Organizers said a new bear will be unveiled in the city later this year.