Colorado’s live buffalo mascot, Ralphie IV, (nicknamed “Rowdy” by ranch hands) passed away Sunday at the age of 19 from liver failure. From her debut against Colorado State on Sept. 5, 1998, she ran at 75 games during her 10-year career, 64 of which were held in the state of Colorado. She also led the Buffs onto the field in four conference championships and six bowl games.
And on Sept. 23, 2006, she became the ONLY buffalo to run “Between the Hedges” at Georgia’s Sanford Stadium.
A quick internet search for “Live College Mascots” yields several blogs ranking the top animals representing Division I football programs.