In some ways, the American bison differs from domestic cattle or oxen. It is larger, with a broad, hefty head that is carried low and cannot be raised to shoulder height. The bison also has a prominent hump at the shoulders, massive forequarters, and 14 ribs as opposed to 13 in cattle. The fur is coarse and shaggy, and it is dark brown in color. It grows particularly long on the head, neck, and shoulders, and typically develops a beard on the chin. A white bison is produced on rare occasions; these exceptional individuals were greatly revered – even worshipped – by American Indians. Both sexes... Read More

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As a student, I was witness to the Buffalo Pool’s construction over the course of my most recent semester. I stood on the other side of the surrounding chain link fence, hoping that I would one day get to jump into this mystical animal-shaped pool, which was nothing but a mess of dirt and construction equipment when I first saw it. Well, that day has come, and I have finally gotten to see the finalized pool. It’s pretty freakin’ neat. The pool looks fantastic and the many months of construction have clearly paid off. However, it’s no secret that this pool has been the spark... Read More

This title question, and the more general “Why a buffalo for a mascot?” answered below. Time to brush up on Buff history. Ralphie is the female buffalo mascot for CU Boulder. But why does this female buffalo sport a male name? And why did CU choose a bison mascot in the first place? The tradition began in 1934 when the university newspaper selected “Buffaloes” as the nickname for the university students. Three weeks later, a few students paid a rancher $25 to rent a bison calf and a cowboy to handle her. The calf had to be managed by all 4 students plus the ranch hand... Read More

The Rocky Mountain Showdown has notoriously brought out the worst (or best) of the rivalry between CU and CSU. Each year, the Rams and Buffs compete not only on the field but off the field, too. Students wear their schools gear, talk mad sh** to each other, and pray that their team wins. This year, the CSU mascot Cam the Ram died before making it to Sports Authority Field. Some think that his death was a bad omen, causing the Ram’s to lose the game, while others believe that Cam sacrificed himself for the sins of the CSU kicker. Either way though, the Buffs came out on top this year. The... Read More