The Nittany Lion is the eastern mountain lion mascot of the athletic teams of the Pennsylvania State University, known as the Penn State Nittany Lions. Created in 1907, the "Nittany" forename refers to the local Mount Nittany, which overlooks the university.

Apr 18, 2024 · The Nittany Lion, pictured here in 1951, has a long history of working alongside Penn State cheerleaders to entertain fans and invoke school spirit. This is one of a number of iterations of the mascot costume over the years and decades — notice the whiskers, claws, full set of teeth and lifelike eyes on this one.

The animal: A Nittany lion is a mountain lion or cougar. It’s that simple. Mountain lions roamed the State College area until 1880. At this time the remaining mountain lions were moved out of Pennsylvania. People report still seeing mountain lions on occasion but this is extremely rare.

The work of noted sculptor Heinz Warneke, the crouching powerful figure is now the popular Nittany Lion Shrine, located at Penn State's University Park campus on a grassy mound amid tall trees near Recreation Building.

Jan 9, 2025 · And what, exactly, is a Nittany Lion? Heading into its Orange Bowl matchup against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals Thursday, here’s a closer look at why …

Sep 9, 2015 · The Nittany Lion is essentially an ordinary mountain lion -- also known as a cougar, puma or panther -- a creature that roamed central Pennsylvania until the 1880s (although unconfirmed sightings continued long after that time).

Sep 16, 2021 · The Nittany Lion is Penn State’s beloved mascot, “storied in song and legend.” It takes its name from Mount Nittany and the mountain lions that once roamed there and across Pennsylvania. Today, the Lion mascot is ubiquitous across campus for sporting, philanthropic, or any event that inspires the cheer “WE ARE … PENN STATE!”

Jan 10, 2025 · So, what is a Nittany Lion? The Nittany Lion is more than just a symbol of Penn State University; it’s a nod to the mountain lions that once roamed the Keystone State.

Dec 7, 2024 · What is a Nittany Lion? It's one of the most iconic and unique mascots in college sports, but where does it come from? What makes a lion "Nittany," anyway?

Aug 8, 2018 · The Nittany Lion appeals to all generations of Penn Staters, yet means something different to each one. There is nothing more magical than for a child to give the Nittany Lion a high-five or a...