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After a three-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Rocky Mountain Showdown will return Sept.Ìý16Ìýat Folsom Field.Ìý
As the University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Buffaloes and ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ State University 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 ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ 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 ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder but also the broader essence of Western American identity.
