What Is a Nittany Lion
The Nittany Lion is not a distinct biological species. It is a fictional, mountain lion–based mascot created for Penn State University. The name refers to the Nittany Mountains in central Pennsylvania.
Is the Nittany Lion a Real Animal
No wild animal called a Nittany Lion exists. The mascot is modeled after the eastern cougar, a subspecies of mountain lion once common in Pennsylvania. The eastern cougar is now considered functionally extinct.
Origin of the Nittany Lion Mascot
Penn State adopted the Nittany Lion in the early 1900s, inspired by stories of a large cat roaming Mount Nittany. The mascot symbolizes school spirit, not a living species.
Real Animals Behind the Name
While the Nittany Lion itself is fictional, it is based on the real mountain lion, also known as the puma or cougar. Learn more about mountain lions at National Park Service.
