Looking for Cool College Traditions - What are some colleges with the most unique mascots?

So, as part of my college search, I'm trying to find schools that have a strong sense of school spirit and community. One small thing that I think contributes to this is having a unique or interesting mascot. Does anyone know of colleges with really unique or unusual mascots?

That's a fun question! Mascots can certainly enhance school spirit and become a major part of the college identity. Here are a few colleges with unique mascots:

1. University of California, Santa Cruz: They're represented by "Sammy the Banana Slug." You wouldn't find this invertebrate to be a typical choice for athletic prowess, but it reflects the school's location near the redwood forests, where banana slugs are common.

2. Evergreen State College: Their mascot is Speedy the Geoduck ("gooey-duck"), an unusually large, long-lived saltwater clam. It symbolizes the institution's commitment to sustainability and marine life.

3. Stanford University: The Stanford Tree, while being one of the most bizarre mascots, is also one of the most recognized. Not officially Stanford's mascot–that's the color cardinal–the Tree represents the Stanford marching band and is a nod to El Palo Alto, the giant redwood tree represented on Stanford's seal.

4. Delta State University: The Fighting Okra, an unofficial mascot, became popular over their official mascot, "The Statesmen." It's green, fierce, and unique!

These are just a few examples of some incredibly quirky mascots that really bring life and school spirit to their respective colleges. Each mascot has a unique backstory that intertwines with the identity and culture of the school. You might want to research more about these schools to understand their traditions and culture better.