³Ô¹ÏÍø

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWZ4rJR604M]

Ìý

After a three-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Rocky Mountain Showdown will return Sept.Ìý16Ìýat Folsom Field.Ìý

As the ³Ô¹ÏÍø of Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State ³Ô¹ÏÍø Rams prepare to face off, fans will inevitably revive the age-old rivalry surrounding the school’s mascots—both of which have deep historical ties to the American West.

While Cam the Ram’s identity as a Rambouillet ram is widely recognized, Ralphie the Buffalo is a bit trickier.

In fact, contrary to popular belief, Ralphie is technically a North American bison.Ìý

Brooke Neely, a research associate with CU Boulder's Center of the American West, discusses theÌýdistinctions between bison and buffalo, shedding light on the reasons Ralphie commonly has been referred to as a buffalo. She also explains how these creatures have come to symbolize not only CU Boulder but also the broader essence of Western American identity.