Carolina Bear Lodge was formed in 1994 by a group of guys who didn't fit into the typical gay roster. The Carolina Bear Lodge had its first meeting in Charlotte, NC. Membership is open to anyone who is hirsute/bearish or who simply admires them.

There are no physical characteristics required for any type of membership. CBL was formed to give members of the bear community a social outlet to call their own and a means to meet like minded men in an accepting environment.