In about a month, fall semester will start at Lassen Community College. So a little bit of Lassen College history. By 1930s, schools were adopting mascots. In 1937, the college adopted the “Camel.” Its selection was attributed to the forestry students. An interesting choice, that puzzled future alumni.
Shortly, after World War II a discussion was held whether the camel was an appropriate mascot, since it was so far removed from its natural habitat. It was decided to select a mascot of a local nature and the “Cougar,” was selected to replace the camel.
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Tim
The name was changed one other time. In 1959 it came out as
the Lassen Manifesto.. It did not last long just the one year
and returned to Cougar. The old teacher of yearbook was also
gone.
Camels evolved here in north america and migrated via the bering sea land bridge to asia before the oceans rose. Those left behind died out, so today,s camels are really just coming home. The alumni probably figured “We live in a desert region, why not a camel?’ Besides, camels have been domesticated for around 5000 years. It would easily be possible to have a living, breathing camel as a mascot at a game. Try getting a live cougar, NOT going to happen…