Internet Buzzes After Photo Surfaces of Mountaineer Mascot With Mystery Animal — Authentic or Hoax
Morgantown, W\.Va. — A photo that appears to show West Virginia University’s beloved Mountaineer mascot standing alongside an unusual, unidentified animal has gone viral, sparking intense speculation on social media about its authenticity.
The image began circulating late Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook groups devoted to Mountaineer sports. In the photo, the costumed mascot is pictured holding his trademark musket with what looks like a large, dark-furred animal at his side. Some commenters claimed the creature was a bear, others suggested a rare dog breed or a digitally altered composite.
WVU officials quickly responded Wednesday morning, saying they were aware of the photo and were “looking into its origin.” A university spokesperson emphasized that the Mountaineer mascot does not handle live wild animals at official events and that safety rules are strictly enforced.
Digital forensics experts told local media the image has signs of possible editing but stopped short of calling it fake without a full analysis. Meanwhile, fans continue to debate whether the picture represents a little-known tradition, a staged photo shoot, or an elaborate online prank.
As of Thursday, the post had been shared thousands of times, drawing national attention and prompting lighthearted memes. WVU says it will release a fuller statement once it confirms the image’s source.
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