Tests on captive birds have not shown a decreased survival of American white ibis exposed to methylmercury. Native American folklore held that the bird was the last to seek shelter before a hurricane, and the first to emerge afterwards. The bird was thus a symbol for danger and optimism. The University of Miami adopted the American white ibis as its official athletics mascot in 1926, and the yearbook was known as "The Ibis" from that year. The mascot was initially known as Ibis before adopting the name Sebastian in 1957. It was named after San Sebastian Hall, a residence hall on campus, which sponsored an Ibis entry in the college's homecoming celebration.