What Is Bearcat

If you've ever wondered what a Bearcat really is, the answer goes beyond the animal itself (though yes, it is a real one - called a binturong).

At UC, being a Bearcat is about so much more than the mascot. It's about the pride you feel walking through campus, the friendships you build, and the sense of belonging that sticks with you long after graduation.

Being a Bearcat for Life means you're part of a community that supports each other, celebrates each other's wins, and always wears red and black with pride - no matter where you go.

Yes, a Bearcat is a real animal!

Officially called a binturong, the bearcat isn't actually a bear or a cat. It's a unique, tree-dwelling mammal native to Southeast Asia, known for its long whiskers, shaggy fur and surprisingly sweet scent (it smells like buttered popcorn!).

While it might not be fierce in the wild, the binturong's bold and unusual nature makes it the perfect symbol for UC's one-of-a-kind spirit.

Fun fact: Their vocalizations can sound like laughter, especially when they're happy or communicating with others.

An image of a bearcat, or binturong, climbing in a tree.

Meet the real Bearcat, Lucille. Also known as the binturong, the Bearcat is UC's namesake and symbol of strength, spirit and connection.

The Bearcat isn't just a mascot; it's part of who we are. Fierce, loyal and full of spirit, the Bearcat brings UC's pride to life.

That spirit continues through our partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo, where a real binturong helps share our story.

From 2008 to 2019, Lucy the Bearcat appeared at more than 200 UC games, hyping up fans and spreading Bearcat pride wherever she went. When Lucy retired, Lucille, a Palawan binturong from the Philippines, took her place and carried on the tradition with the same energy and heart.

Whether she is at a UC Athletics event or greeting visitors at the Cincinnati Zoo, Lucille reminds us what it truly means to be a Bearcat for life.

Bearcat, Celebrate UC celebrates 100th birthday of the bearcats.  Lucy with Mascot at the Bearcats centennial birthday party.

Lucy with the Bearcat Mascot at the UC centennial birthday party.

Being a Bearcat means more than wearing red and black on game day. It is about pride, community and a shared belief that together, we can make a difference.

The Bearcat spirit shows up in the classroom, on the field and in every corner of campus. It is the energy that drives students to push for more and the pride that keeps alumni connected long after graduation.

For students, being a Bearcat means belonging to a community that supports and challenges you to grow.

For alumni, it means carrying UC's values of grit, innovation and leadership into every new chapter.

And for fans, it means cheering with the same passion that has filled Fifth Third Arena and Nippert Stadium for generations.

As UC student Kenzie Stein ('25) puts it, "Being a Bearcat means you are part of something bigger than yourself. You feel the connection everywhere you go."

Alum Brandon Trame ('15) agrees: "It's always been my 'third place', that spot outside of home and work where I feel completely welcome and at ease. UC is more than a campus to me; it's community, pride and family. Being a Bearcat is something I'll carry forever."

To be a Bearcat is to be part of a family that celebrates every win, learns from every challenge, and carries that spirit for life.

Being a Bearcat doesn't end at graduation. It is a lifelong identity that stays with UC alumni wherever they go.

The Bearcat spirit shows up in classrooms, boardrooms, hospitals, studios and communities around the world. It is the same drive that pushes students to go beyond what they thought possible and later inspires graduates to lead with purpose and pride.

UC alumni carry the Bearcat name into every stage of life. They mentor the next generation of students, represent the university in their careers and celebrate their connection at events like Homecoming and Alumni Week.

Whether they are cheering from the stands or wearing the C-Paw on a work badge, the Bearcat family is always growing, always connected and always proud.

As UC alumnus Jerry Truesdell once shared, "I wear the C-Paw when traveling and I cannot count the number of times I've connected with strangers who have shared that they're also UC alumni. It starts a conversation that is always interesting and enlightening."

His story captures what it means to be a Bearcat for life - a shared spirit that brings people together no matter where their journey takes them.

Ready to start your own Bearcat story? Connect with us and discover what it means to be a Bearcat for life.

/University Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.