Tourist Attraction’s Mascot Dies

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN, N.C. —  Mildred the Bear, who was seen by millions of tourists during a quarter of a century as mascot of Grandfather Mountain, was found dead in the animal den Friday.

Mildred, a black bear who was born in captivity at the Atlanta Zoo, was tame and was credited with once saving her caretaker from another bear that was roughing the man up.

She was 26 years old and apparently died of old age, a statement from the tourist attraction said.

During her lifetime, Mildred had nine cubs and adopted three that were not hers. One of her mates was a male bear who appeared in the “Gentle Ben” television show.