The University of West Virginia has ordered Jonathan Kimble, current WVU mascot to stop using his university-issued weapon on hunting trips. A YouTube video documented Kimble shooting a black bear in a tree, followed by a cry of "Let's go Mountaineers!" Kimble also posted a photo of himself with the bear to Twitter.
The muzzleloader is normally fired at home athletic events (black-powder only, no ammunition). Kimble has apparently agreed that he will not use the rifle on future hunting trips according to WVU spokesman John Bolt. Kimble noted that taking the musket on hunting trips had become a tradition for mascots and that he has taken it deer hunting.
