It is big. It is hairy. Honestly, it’s a little bit intimidating if you’re seeing it for the first time on a brisk Saturday morning at Nottingham Field. I’m talking about Klawz, the University of Northern Colorado mascot, a character that has become the literal face of Bear Country. If you’ve ever spent a weekend in Greeley, you know the vibe is different. It’s not just about a guy in a suit; it’s about a century of identity shifts, branding battles, and a community that treats a fictional bear like a local celebrity.
Most people just see a bear. But the history of the University of Northern Colorado mascot is actually a pretty weird, winding road through Colorado’s educational history.
From Teachers to Bears: How Klawz Happened
Before we got Klawz, things were... different.
See, UNC wasn't always UNC. Back in the day, it was the Colorado State Normal School. A "Normal School" was basically a teacher's college. Because of that, the athletic teams were originally called the "Teachers." Imagine trying to intimidate a rival football team with a name that sounds like a faculty meeting. It didn't stick for long. By the early 1920s, the student body decided they needed something with a bit more teeth. They landed on the Bears, and honestly, it fits the rugged, high-plains-meets-mountains aesthetic of Northern Colorado perfectly.
Klawz himself is a relatively modern evolution. Before the current iteration of the University of Northern Colorado mascot, there were various versions of bears that looked, well, a bit more like something out of a 1970s taxidermy shop. The modern Klawz debuted in the early 2000s to give the university a more unified, fierce look as they transitioned into Division I athletics. It was a big move. Moving to the Big Sky Conference meant they needed a brand that could compete with the likes of the Montana Grizzlies or the Idaho Vandals.
The bear isn't just a costume; it's a strategic branding tool. When you see Klawz at an event, you’re looking at a carefully maintained piece of university intellectual property. The suit is heavy. It's hot. The students inside are athletes in their own right, navigating stairs and bleachers with zero peripheral vision while keeping the energy at a 10/10.
The Secret Life of the University of Northern Colorado Mascot
Ever wonder who is inside the suit? You’re not supposed to know.
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That’s part of the "mascot code." The students who play the University of Northern Colorado mascot keep their identities a secret until they graduate. It’s a weirdly prestigious gig on campus. You get to be the loudest person in the room without ever saying a single word. They use gestures, exaggerated walks, and a lot of high-fives to communicate.
The University of Northern Colorado mascot program is managed through the athletic department, and they take it seriously. It’s not just about showing up. There’s a specific "character" to Klawz. He’s supposed to be approachable for kids but a bit of a menace to the opposing team. If you watch closely at a basketball game in the Bank of Colorado Arena, you'll see him interacting with the band, the cheerleaders, and the "Sugar Bears" dance team. It’s a choreographed chaos that keeps the crowd from falling into that mid-game slump.
Not Just a Game Day Thing
Klawz is everywhere. Seriously.
- Charity events in Greeley – You’ll see him at 5k runs or local school fundraisers.
- Graduation – It’s a rite of passage for UNC grads to get a photo with the bear.
- Social Media – Klawz has his own presence, often hopping on TikTok trends to keep the university relevant to Gen Z.
The University of Northern Colorado mascot acts as a bridge between the city of Greeley and the university itself. Greeley is a town with deep roots in agriculture and industry, and the university can sometimes feel like a separate bubble. Klawz helps pop that bubble. He’s a recognizable figure that locals who never even attended UNC can rally behind.
Why the Bear Matters for UNC's Brand
In the world of college sports, your mascot is your logo. And your logo is your revenue. The University of Northern Colorado mascot is the centerpiece of a massive merchandising machine. Think about it: every hat, hoodie, and coffee mug sold in the bookstore features some variation of the bear.
When the university rebranded a few years back, they leaned hard into the "Bear Power" theme. They updated the logos to be sharper and more aggressive. They wanted a bear that looked like it could actually survive a Colorado winter. This shift wasn't just for fun; it was about recruiting. When a high school athlete is looking at schools, they want to play for a program that feels big-time. A professionalized mascot and cohesive brand identity help sell that dream.
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The Competition Factor
Colorado is a crowded market for sports. You’ve got the CU Buffs in Boulder and the CSU Rams in Fort Collins. UNC is often the "third" big school in that front-range conversation. Because of that, the University of Northern Colorado mascot has to work twice as hard to build loyalty. The "Bear Country" slogan isn't just a marketing line; it's a defensive stance. It’s a way of saying, "This is our territory."
The Logistics of Being Klawz
Being the University of Northern Colorado mascot is actually pretty gross if you think about the physics of it. You're inside a thick, fur-covered foam suit. In the early fall, Greeley can still be hitting 85 degrees. The person inside is losing water weight like crazy.
The university usually has a small team of students who share the role. This prevents burnout and ensures that Klawz can be in two places at once if there are overlapping events. They have to train on how to walk, how to pose for photos, and how to handle "mascot emergencies"—like a kid who gets too scared or a fan who gets a little too rowdy.
It’s a performance art. If you see the University of Northern Colorado mascot standing still, they aren't doing their job. They are constantly in motion, a blur of navy and gold.
How to Get the Full Bear Experience
If you're actually going to a game to see the University of Northern Colorado mascot, there are a few things you should know.
First, the tailgating at UNC is underrated. The Fan Fest before football games is the best place to catch Klawz before he gets into "game mode." He usually wanders through the tents, posing for photos. It’s way easier to get a selfie there than inside the stadium.
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Second, check out the basketball games. The atmosphere in the arena is tighter, and Klawz is much more active during timeouts. You get to see the physical comedy that makes a mascot actually good.
Third, respect the bear. It sounds silly, but there’s a real person in there working hard. Don't pull the tail. Don't try to unmask them. Just enjoy the spectacle.
The Future of the Bear
What’s next for the University of Northern Colorado mascot? As digital spaces become more important, expect to see a "Virtual Klawz." We're talking AR filters for Instagram where you can have the bear dancing in your dorm room, or more interactive elements during live streams of games.
The university is also leaning more into the environmental aspect of their mascot. There have been discussions and partnerships regarding wildlife conservation, linking the fictional Klawz to real-world bear populations in the Rockies. It’s a smart way to add some "E-E-A-T" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) to a mascot program. It turns a costume into a conversation about Colorado's natural heritage.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Prospective Students
If you're looking to engage more with the University of Northern Colorado mascot or the university's spirit program, here is what you should actually do:
- Visit the UNC Athletics Website: Look for the "Fan Zone" section. They often post the mascot's appearance schedule there if you want him at your private event (yes, you can book him).
- Follow Klawz on Instagram: It’s the best way to see the "behind the scenes" of what it’s like to be a D1 mascot in the Big Sky Conference.
- Check the Bookstore Sales: If you want the "classic" bear look versus the "modern" Klawz, the bookstore usually carries both. The "throwback" gear is a huge hit with alumni.
- Attend a "Blue and Gold" Friday: If you're in Greeley on a Friday, wear the colors. You’ll see the mascot’s influence everywhere, from the windows of local businesses to the shirts on people's backs.
The University of Northern Colorado mascot is more than a sideline distraction. It is a symbol of a school that has evolved from a small teacher's college into a major player in the Colorado landscape. Whether you’re a student, an alum, or just a local, Klawz represents a specific kind of Northern Colorado grit. He’s tough, he’s loud, and he’s not going anywhere.