The NF State Mascot and Inclusive Representation: Evolution and Diversity

The North Carolina state mascot is the gray squirrel. This unique choice was made because the gray squirrel is native to the state and can be found in abundance throughout its forests and parks. The gray squirrel is known for its playful and curious nature, making it a fitting representative for the state. The gray squirrel has a bushy tail, which it holds above its head as it scampers through the trees. It is known for its agility and speed, as well as its ability to gracefully leap from branch to branch. These qualities symbolize the spirit of North Carolina and its people.

Learn how we adopted our name — and how our identity has evolved over a century.

With good timing, an anonymous old grad came through with a suggestion in this unsigned letter to the February 1921 NC State Alumni News that fit perfectly and uniquely for the school located on the west end of Raleigh. That part of our identity has expanded from those greasy overalls into our world-class College of Engineering and College of Sciences, which have improved lives throughout the state, across the nation and around the world.

These qualities symbolize the spirit of North Carolina and its people. Not only is the gray squirrel a common sight in North Carolina, but it also plays an important ecological role. It helps in the dispersal of tree seeds by burying them in the ground and forgetting about them.

The story behind a decal of NC State's mascot eating UNC's mascot

Last week, eagle-eyed Rabbit Hole reader Lesa Kastanas flagged this tweet for me:

It bears repeating: The sticker you are looking at is NC State’s beloved Mr. Wuf

FEASTING UPON THE CARCASS OF A DEAD RAMESES. Look, I know that college mascots are pretty much the Platonic ideal of anthropomorphism. That said, I’m really weirded out by a wolf in a sweater feasting upon the bones of a ram in a UNC sailor hat. It’s… a lot.

It turns out that this is not the only sticker that shows Mr. Wuf committing potential war crimes upon other ACC mascots:

I have a particular beef with the decal that shows Mr. Wuf boiling the Duke Blue Devil alive. He’s a devil! He should be impervious to heat! Still, I’m okay with it because 1.) this is Duke we’re talking about and 2.) this appears to be the precursor to the classic NC State Slobberin’/Horny Wolf logo . I’ll allow it.

Also, it appears that Mr. Wuf is putting the Wake Forest Demon Deacon into the Boston Crab or the Sharpshooter . Apparently the Deacon forgave him, since he officiated Mr. Wuf’s wedding a few decades later.

At this point, you may be wondering: How did they get away with this? As in, how can you make stickers that show a representative of an institution of higher learning committing murder and/or mercilessly torturing other mascots? Well for that, I have to take you back. Back in time. Back to a point in our nation’s history where colleges and universities didn’t give a shit about making serious money off of their mascots.

This behavior promotes the growth of new trees and helps to maintain the state's diverse forest ecosystems. The gray squirrel was officially designated as the state mascot in 1969. Since then, it has become a beloved symbol for North Carolina residents. It can be seen on various state emblems, including the state seal, as well as on merchandise and memorabilia. The choice of the gray squirrel as the state mascot reflects North Carolina's appreciation for its natural beauty and wildlife. It serves as a reminder of the state's commitment to preserving its natural resources and maintaining a healthy environment. In conclusion, the gray squirrel is the official state mascot of North Carolina. It represents the state's abundant wildlife, its natural beauty, and its commitment to preserving its ecosystems. The gray squirrel is a fitting symbol for the diverse and vibrant spirit of North Carolina..

Reviews for "An Inside Look into NF State's Mascot Training Program"

1. Lisa - 2 stars

The NF State Mascot is quite underwhelming in my opinion. I was expecting something fierce and intimidating, but instead, we have this weak-looking animal that looks more like a teddy bear. It just doesn't instill any sense of pride or excitement. The design is also lackluster, with dull colors and a generic appearance that doesn't make it stand out. Overall, I find it hard to connect with this mascot and feel any sort of school spirit when it is representing our team.

2. Mark - 1 star

I can't believe that the NF State Mascot was approved. It looks like a cheap knock-off of other mascots I've seen before. There's nothing unique or memorable about it. The costume itself is poorly made, with visible seams and a flimsy overall construction. It's embarrassing to have such a lackluster mascot representing our school. I think it's time we reconsidered our choices and invest in a mascot design that truly reflects the spirit and energy of our team.

3. Sarah - 3 stars

While I don't dislike the NF State Mascot per se, I do feel that it's quite forgettable. It doesn't have that wow-factor that makes it truly stand out among other mascots. The costume design is decent, but there's nothing particularly striking about it. It lacks that special something that would make it memorable and create a lasting impression on fans and spectators. Overall, the NF State Mascot is just average, which is disappointing considering the potential to create something truly memorable and unique.

4. Jason - 2 stars

As an alum of NF State, I was excited to see the new mascot design. However, I was left disappointed with what they came up with. It looks more like a children's toy than a fierce symbol of school spirit. It doesn't inspire any sort of excitement or pride in our team. I believe a mascot should be able to rally fans and ignite a sense of unity, but unfortunately, the NF State Mascot falls short in this regard. I hope they consider reimagining the mascot to better capture the essence of what the school and team stand for.

The NF State Mascot and Indigenous Cultural Symbolism: Honoring the Past