American universities are known for the pride each student has towards their school or Alma mater. This pride goes deeper than the degree you receive upon graduation, it translates directly onto the field of play. Sports teams, and just as importantly, their accompanying mascots are as important to the culture and pride on campus as the academics.

Here are ten mascots that represent their school's pride to the fullest, and those that illicit the strongest reactions from the home crowds.

1. Handsome Dan - Yale  

Handsome Dan is the adorable English bulldog that represents the Ivy League school. The name and title as mascot is transferred from dog to dog as the predecessor either retires or passes away.

2.  Cam The Ram - Colorado State Rams

Colorado State is currently being served by the 25th coming of Cam The Ram. He was named by an alumnus of Colorado State who won a contest in 1946.

3. Lady - Baylor University Bears

Lady is a black bear who represents the University of Baylor, in Texas. Lady was named after the former President of Baylor, Dr. Robert B. Sloan Jr's wife. Mrs. Sloan was often referred to as, the "First Lady" of Baylor.

4. Uga - University of Georgia Bulldogs

Uga is the second bulldog to make it onto this list, but as bulldogs are the most popular university mascot, it's not surprising. Uga is a long-standing tradition at Georgia, each dog succeeding the one that came before it. There is actually a mausoleum in the stadium where Uga is interred upon their death.

5. Bill The Goat - U.S. Naval Academy

Nowhere are symbols and traditions more important than in the U.S. military. Bill the Goat is the school mascot for the U.S. Naval Academy. Goats have been placed on ships as a food source (fresh dairy) for many years, since they will eat just about anything. It spared the military from having to stock expensive cow feed on-board. The Naval Academy is currently represented by Bill the Goat XXXIII.

6. Tusk - University of Arkansas Razorbacks

Tusk, is the live mascot for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Tusk attends all home football games, and even some away games. He also makes some random appearances at basketball and baseball games. Tusk IV is currently serving in the capacity of school mascot. All versions of Tusk have been male, because female swine don't have the ability to grow tusks. You can give Tusk a kiss, if you're brave enough.

7. Sir Big Spur - South Carolina Gamecocks

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks might have a funny name, but Sir Big Spur, the current Gamecock's live mascot, he doesn't appreciate being laughed at. These birds are aggressive and ready to fight, and Sir Big Spur is no different. He has been trained so that he does not attack the people he comes into contact with. Sir Big Spur, and the birds that came before him have been watching over USC sports for 16 years.

8. Ralphie - University of Colorado Buffaloes

I don't know if there could be something more intimidating than a buffalo stampeding across a football field towards the opposing team. But that is what happens at University of Colorado home football games. Ralphie as he has been fondly dubbed, is lead onto the field by his handlers and runs about, helping to turn the volume up from the fans. Don't mess with a wild buffalo.

9. Bevo - University of Texas Longhorns

In Texas, football is its own religion, and the University of Texas takes its football program seriously. Bevo, the longhorn, is just as much a part of that culture as the pigskin itself.

"Bevo has embodied Longhorn pride and Texas spirit for 100 years," UT president Gregory L. Fenves said. "He is part of our campus culture and has watched our football team's successes for decades. I'm looking forward to seeing Bevo XV in his place of honor on the field this coming season."

10. Ranger & Stryker - U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Ranger and Stryker, the Army mules are well trained animals. They lead the football team onto the field, carry flags, and interact with the legions of Army football fans. They don't even mind the occasional cannon blast when the team scores a touchdown.

Did we miss any? Let us know which you think is the best live animal mascot in NCAA sports.