River Otters Mascot

2026: Year of the River Otter

Since making the mascot announcement in October, Lewis & Clark has been collaborating with an outside design firm on the look of the otter mascot. The design was revealed on February 20, 2026, as the culmination of River Otter Week, five days of festivities that generated excitement about our new mascot.

Lewis & Clark’s River Otter is depicted as confident and proud, reinforcing a sense of strength rooted in character rather than ferocity. This intentional choice allows the mascot to resonate across the entire Lewis & Clark community. Surrounding elements—trees and flowing water—ground the design in the Pacific Northwest and honor the college’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Embracing the River Otter

River Otters have a lot in common with the Lewis & Clark community. Not only are river otters smart, scrappy, and full of joy, but they also thrive on collaboration, and navigate challenges with grit and creativity. These qualities are evident across the institution, both in the classroom and in athletic competition.

As a mascot, river otters bring both spirit and substance: they are playful, a little goofy, and undeniably cute, but they are also deeply committed to teamwork and fierce when needed.