Do any sports teams have living, real animals as team “pets” or “mascots” or “ambassadors” or what have you?

[Moriarty]

@Ponch8

My alma mater, the University of Florida, does not have a live alligator mascot

Anymore.

A live alligator named Albert first appeared at football games during the 1957 season, and served as the mascot of the football team on the field before the costumed version of Albert became the mascot in 1970.[1]

Albert and Alberta Gator

[kenobi_65]

@Moriarty

Anymore.

A recurring theme in this thread, in fact. A number of examples have been of schools and teams which did once have live animal mascots, and set them aside (primarily in the 1960s and 1970s) for costumed mascots.

[Q.Q.Switcheroo]

@kenobi_65

Despite being officially called the Crimson Tide, their mascot is an elephant, for reasons.

Of course, in Alabama, the tusks are looser.

[HeyHomie]

One of those Time-Release Jokes.

[Railer13]

@kenobi_65

A number of examples have been of schools and teams which did once have live animal mascots,

Yep. Kansas State, home of the Wildcats, used to carry a large cat around the field or court before each home game. In a cage, fortunately. But that stopped around 1970, I believe.

[Chronos]

My high school’s Bengal tiger cubs were actually in the late 90s, so I guess we were behind the curve, there.

[Jackmannii]

Colorado lost to Georgia Tech tonight. Their mascot wasn’t on hand. From ESPN:

Colorado: Missing from the field was Ralphie VI, Colorado’s live buffalo mascot who retired from running earlier this week.

Hopefully Ralphie VI will have a comfortable retirement and not end up as bison burgers.

[Railer13]

@Jackmannii

Colorado lost to Georgia Tech tonight. Their mascot wasn’t on hand.

Cause and effect, perhaps?

@Jackmannii

bison burgers.

Bison meat is actually quite tasty and extremely lean.

/endhijack

[HeyHomie]

@Railer13

Bison meat is actually quite tasty and extremely lean.

I bought some from a local farm years ago (like $8 per pound ) and I found it bland.