Ole Miss’s mascot switch to Rebel the Black Bear in 2010 wasn’t universally well-received and many are still trying to have their voices heard on the issue.

Directed at Ole Miss athletic director Ross Bjork, student Sam Fowlkes recently started a petition on Change.org to change the university’s official mascot to the Landsharks, according to Hotty Toddy.

Fowlkes writes:

“Everywhere you look on gameday in Oxford, the story is all about the Landshark. Whether it is in the defense making plays, the hype video, the flag waving, or even the fan cams, the landshark is an embodiment of the team and the University. This petition is a preliminary attempt to gather interest from the student body and alumni on potentially associating the Landshark with the University of Mississippi. The only apparent association with Ole Miss and the Black Bear is the mascot on the field; however, this petition and further actions are not an attempt to undo the past or any work done on the previous mascots.

The Landshark has a distinct relationship to the students, faculty, and alumni, and I am trying to determine if there is enough support for me to pursue future actions. With your help, I can present the ASB senate with a tangible petition showing support, where we can then determine future actions on changing of the mascot.”

The petition closed Wednesday night with 3,616 supporters, 1,384 short of the 5,000 goal.

What say you Ole Miss fans? Would the Landshark suffice as Ole Miss’s official mascot?