Baylor University Bear Habitat

About Baylor University Bear Habitat

The Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat sits on the M.P. Daniel Esplanade at the heart of the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas. It houses American black bears, which are Baylor's live mascots. According to the habitat's website, the bears have been a Baylor tradition since 1917, and the site describes them as some of the most beloved members of the Baylor family.

The habitat is open to the public daily and, as listed on its website, free of charge. Its website states that it is accredited and licensed by the USDA. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

History

The habitat's website dates the arrival of the first bear on the Baylor campus to 1917. In 1940 the Baylor Chamber of Commerce was entrusted with the care of the habitat and its bears. The Chamber's office is listed in the basement of the Bill Daniel Student Center.

According to the habitat's FAQ, the bears have not attended football games since 2003, in line with USDA restrictions, because of the stress caused by crowd noise, fireworks and commotion.

The site's news section reports that Judge Sue, known as Lady, a Baylor bear mascot, died on March 11, 2025, at age 23. The current bears, Indy and Belle, joined the Baylor family in May 2023. Before their arrival, the habitat was "cub-proofed" with additional barriers and awnings in the outdoor exhibit area, according to the FAQ.

Exhibits and habitats

The habitat includes a stone wall, a swimming pool, an underground den and a walkway for visitors.

The two current bears are Judge Indy, born January 24, 2023, and Judge Belle, born January 29, 2023. The website describes Indy as the largest cub of her litter and the more independent of the pair, with ears that often extend away from her head. Her listed favorite activities are water time and exploring logs and tires, and her favorite snacks include dried blueberries, cherries, raisins, carrots and sweet potatoes. The site says she loves being in trees for hours.

Belle is described as the smallest cub of her litter, "small in stature with a big personality," with ears often tucked closer to her head. Her listed favorite activities are climbing and playtime with Indy, and her favorite snacks include smoothies with strawberries, blueberries, broccoli and kale. Both bears debuted their Sic 'Em gestures at Homecoming 2024, and the site notes that Belle, like Lady before her, uses her left paw.

Conservation and programs

The habitat organizes its work around three guiding pillars. Stewardship refers to care for the American black bears and forming strategic partnerships. Education refers to raising awareness in local, state and national communities by offering educational experiences. Conservation refers to preservation and advocacy efforts that contribute to the health of wildlife.

The FAQ states that the bears are cared for around the clock, every day of the year, including in inclement weather and over holidays. It also notes that donations support expansion, habitat improvements and animal care.

A news item dated September 9, 2026 reports that grounds improvement projects at the habitat are underway, funded by the Baylor family.

Planning your visit

As listed on the habitat's website, it is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The site states that the bears may be unavailable for viewing during inclement weather, habitat maintenance or off-site training.

The habitat is near the corner of 5th Street and the M.P. Daniel Esplanade. The website lists three free parking options: Lot 23, a surface lot between the M.P. Daniel Esplanade and Pat Neff Hall; the 5th Street Garage, with timed spots on the first floor; and the Dutton Avenue Garage. Private campus tours can be arranged through Baylor Undergraduate Admissions. General inquiries go to (254) 710-3322.