Uploaded September 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Contrary to popular belief, CU Boulder’s beloved mascot, Ralphie the Buffalo, is actually a North American bison.
Brooke Neely, a research associate with CU Boulder's Center of the American West, spoke about the distinctions between bison and buffalo, and why Ralphie has been commonly referred to as a buffalo. She also explains how these creatures have come to symbolize both CU Boulder and the broader essence of Western American identity.
Contrary to popular belief, CU Boulder’s beloved mascot, Ralphie the Buffalo, is actually a North American bison.
Brooke Neely, a research associate with CU Boulder's Center of the American West, spoke about the distinctions between bison and buffalo, and why Ralphie has been commonly referred to as a buffalo. She also explains how these creatures have come to symbolize both CU Boulder and the broader essence of Western American identity.
