There is often confusion over whether or not “Baxter the bearcat”, Binghamton’s beloved mascot is a friendly sports fan or a wilderness terror?? 

When strangers ask me what a bearcat is I usually come back with an elaborate story about a predator of the forest that feeds on weak prey and roams the nature preserve on Binghamton’s campus. The reality is according to local zoologist Mike Janis, “In all honesty, they’re nothing like your mascot, their head is cat-like, the walk is bear-like, and they smell like Fritos.” However, Binghamton’s president Lois B. DeFleur has a different view, “the bearcat is a symbol of strength and power.” I guess the point is that whatever your opinion is on Baxter the bearcat, he will always be found roaming the stands and sidelines supporting Binghamton University athletics!