Curious about college mascots, which ones are the most common?

Hi fellow classmates! I have this random question in my mind: What are the most common mascots for colleges? I mean, I've seen a ton of lions, tigers or bulldogs at various schools. So do colleges usually stick to certain animals or types for their mascots?

Absolutely, a large number of schools do seem to prefer certain animals or types for their mascots. Generally speaking, predatory, impressive, or emblematic animals are often chosen to represent the spirit and strength of the sporting teams and the school community as a whole. Here's some insight into the most common ones:

1. Eagles: This is by far the most popular mascot, representing schools like Boston College, American University, and Eastern Michigan University, among many others. Eagles embody qualities like freedom, power, and strength, making them a popular choice.

2. Tigers: Tigers, symbolizing courage, strength, and power, serve as mascots for schools like Princeton University, University of Missouri, and Auburn University.

3. Bulldogs: Bulldogs are another popular choice for institutions including Yale University, Georgetown University, and University of Georgia. Bulldogs represent tenacity, and despite their tough exterior, their underlying loyalty and protective nature.

4. Lions: Lions, often called kings of the jungle, stand as symbols of courage and majesty. Columbia University and Pennsylvania State University are examples of schools with lion mascots.

5. Bears: Another popular mascot, bears are known for their strength, readiness to stand their ground, and protectiveness. Schools include University of California, Berkeley (the Golden Bears) and Baylor University (the Bears).

Schools also sometimes choose unique and specific mascots that have a significant historical or local relevance to the school or the region it's located in, adding an extra level of identity and pride. These could range from mythical creatures, historical figures, to unique animals native to the region.