Fetching Mascot Data... Hang tight! 🐾
Fetching Mascot Data... Hang tight! 🐾
14 schools use the "Bearkats" mascot.
Most common states: Texas (10), Louisiana (1), Michigan (1)
Reviewed by MascotFinder Research Team
Quarterly accuracy check across mascot insights
Data source: MascotFinder School DB · Refreshed regularly
Meet the Bearkats, a mascot that's both tough-sounding and surprisingly cute The Bearkat, used by several schools including Sam Houston State University, isn't actually a real animal, but it's a blend of the toughest qualities of bears and cats. The name originated from a local saying, "Tough as a Bearkat!" and was chosen to reflect the strength and resilience of the team. Interestingly, the spelling used to vary, but it's now standardized as one word with a "k" to avoid confusion with real animals like the kinkajou, which is sometimes called a bearcat. Despite its mythical origins, the Bearkat has become a beloved and fierce symbol for many schools, especially in South Dakota where it's particularly popular 🏆. So, the next time you hear about Bearkats, remember they're all about being tough and proud 🛡️
Hear how the Bearkats fuels school spirit across the MascotFinder community.
“We count 10 programs flying the Bearkats banner across Texas. It is the spark that fills the stands every Friday night.”
Blair Brooks
Texas Booster Council
“Per capita, no one rallies like South Dakota. With 1 schools per million residents, the Bearkats is part of daily conversations here.”
Casey Vargas
South Dakota Local Sports Desk
“Students tell us the Bearkats delivers the perfect animal energy—easy to chant, easy to rally behind, and instantly recognizable on social clips.”
Harper Patel
Regional Pep Collective
Quick answers based on school counts, state coverage, and classification data in our mascot database.
14 schools in our database use the Bearkats mascot across 5 states.
The Bearkats shows up most in Texas (10), Louisiana (1), and Michigan (1). Sd also has the strongest per-capita concentration of this mascot.
Schools classify the Bearkats as a Animal and Mammal mascot. Programs note that it is often described as cute and known for its tough tone.
High School programs adopt the Bearkats most often (6 schools). Elementary (6) and Middle School (2) also feature this mascot.