It’s the Final Countdown

The countdown is on: River Otter Week officially begins on Monday, February 16, only one week from today!

February 06, 2026
River Otter design will be revealed on February 20, 2026.
River Otter design will be revealed on February 20, 2026.

The week of February 16 will feature events, installations, and activities celebrating all things river otter, culminating with first looks at our river otter on Friday, February 20.

Fun Fact

River otters can stay underwater for up to eight minutes.

(Source: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

Faculty, staff, and students from all three schools are encouraged to participate in the week’s activities, with events happening on all three of our campuses. Highlights include:

  • Monday, February 16: Online river otter trivia quiz, with the chance to win limited-edition river otter merch.
  • Tuesday, February 17: River otter takeover of CAS, grad, and law schools. You’ll have to wait until Tuesday to learn where to spot them!
  • Wednesday, February 18: A chance to connect with President Robin Holmes-Sullivan on each campus. She’ll share what makes her excited about being a River Otter and show off some oh-so-presidential river otter fashion. There will be treats!
  • Thursday, February 19: Three-campus Survivor-style scavenger hunt, with the chance to win exclusive L&C River Otter merch.
  • Friday, February 20: THE REVEAL! By the time you arrive on campus, our very own Lewis & Clark River Otter will be on display on campus gate signs, light pole banners, and in other strategic campus locations. From 3–5 p.m., a party in the Trail Room featuring special food, drinks, and activities will give you a chance to show your River Otter pride!

There will be plenty of other otterly fun opportunities to celebrate our new mascot during the week. To keep up with all of the action, look for emails on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings with details on daily activities, check each day’s event listing on the River Otter Week website, and follow us on Instagram!

GO, OTTS!

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