Several tigers have held the title of LSU's mascot 'Mike.' Here's how the tradition started and changed over the years.

There are more tigers in U.S. captivity than in the wild anywhere in the world. ... Why LSU's tiger mascot is part of a troubling history. Published: Jul. 30, 2024, 11:55 a.m. By .

The tiger — renamed Mike after the Tigers’ athletic trainer at the time, Mike Chambers — became LSU’s first live mascot, the first in a line of seven it has had.

Louisiana State University's mascot, Mike the Tiger, is seen on the field before the NCAA college football game against Furman in Baton Rouge, La., Oct. 26, 2013. Credit: AP/Jonathan Bachman.

Paws the Tiger, the Detroit Tigers mascot, was ranked 13th on a list of "sexiest" MLB mascots. The author humorously critiques the rankings, arguing for Paws' superiority over higher-ranked mascots.

BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 06: LSU mascot Mike VI, a Bengal/Siberian mixed tiger, is displayed on the field before the Florida Gators take on the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 6, 2007 in ...

The Mikes Since 1936, LSU has had seven live tigers act as the school’s mascot. Most lived in cramped conditions of less than 2,000 square feet and were paraded around the football stadium on ...

The Mikes Since 1936, LSU has had seven live tigers act as the school’s mascot. Most lived in cramped conditions of less than 2,000 square feet and were paraded around the football stadium on ...

BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 06: LSU mascot Mike VI, a Bengal/Siberian mixed tiger, is displayed on the field before the Florida Gators take on the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 6, 2007 in ...