History of Bucky Badger timeline.

1800

The first "badgers" in Wisconsin

The discovery of lead in Wisconsin attracted coal miners. These coal miners were nicknamed "badgers" because they spent the cold winters "living like badgers" in the mines.

1889

The badger became the official UW mascot

With the birth of the University of Wisconsin football team, the badger became the official mascot of UW. It was only fitting for the "badger state".

Period: 1889 to 1949

Badger mascot evolves

The first mascot for UW was a live badger. The badger threatened the safety of both player and fans and was later replaced with a raccoon. This mascot was passed off as a "badger in a raccoon suit".

1930

First depiction of Bucky

Bucky was first depicted in a cartoon.

1940

Bucky earned copyright

Bucky's birthday is October 2, 1940 because this is the day he earned copyright. The year 1940 was also the first time Bucky was depicted in his red striped sweater we see him in today. This drawing was by illustrator Art Evans.

1949

First student as Bucky Badger

Bill Sagal wore the first Bucky costume to the homecoming game. The costume consisted of a papier-mache head designed by Connie Conrad.

1973

Attempt to dethrone Bucky

Assistant Attorney General Howard Koop attempted--and failed-- to replace Bucky with a cow mascot named Henrietta Holstien.

1991

Bucky is played by an imposter

Rick Telander, a writer for Sports Illustrated dressed up in the Bucky suit for a volleyball game. He claims that the experience helped him overcome "terminal claustrophobia".