From animals you've never heard of to downright bizarre creatures, these mascots will make you do a double-take.

University of Tennessee: The University of Tennessee's mascot, Smokey, was first introduced in 1953. The live Bluetick coonhound was chosen to represent the volunteer spirit of the state, as the university's sports teams are known as the Tennessee Volunteers.

Connecticut College: Camel. When the college went co-ed in 1969, Mike Shinault, a former Navy officer, volunteered to coach the new men's basketball team, which needed a mascot. From his time in the Middle East, he remembered that the camel embodied traits he wanted for his team: endurance, determination and strength. The camel became the new mascot of the college.

Williams College: Ephelia the Purple Cow. The choice of a purple cow stems from a humorous poem called "The Purple Cow" written by Gelett Burgess, a Williams College alumnus. The poem became a sensation in the early 20th century and inspired the selection of Ephelia as the college's mascot, showcasing the institution's sense of humor and tradition.

University of Washington: Dubs the Alaskan Malamute. The tradition of having live Alaskan Malamute mascots started in 1922 when a student brought an Alaskan Malamute puppy named Frosty to a football game. Since then, multiple dogs have served as the beloved mascots, representing strength, loyalty, and the university's connection to the Pacific Northwest.

University of Miami -  Sebastian the Ibis. The ibis was chosen as the mascot in the 1950s because it is the last bird to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge afterward, symbolizing perseverance and the university's resilience in the face of adversity.

UC Irvine -  Peter the Anteater. The choice of an anteater as the mascot stems from a 1965 campus-wide vote, in which students selected the anteater over other options like the unicorn and the golden griffin. Peter the Anteater's laid-back demeanor represents the university's commitment to overcoming obstacles with a calm and focused approach.

Texas Christian University -  SuperFrog, a superhero frog. SuperFrog was introduced in 1980 to represent the Horned Frogs' spirit and determination. The Horned Frogs are the athletic team of Texas Christian University and have a long history of athletic success.

The Ohio State University -  Brutus Buckeye. Brutus Buckeye is a larger-than-life anthropomorphic buckeye nut, which is the seed of the Ohio buckeye tree. Brutus Buckeye is known for his enthusiastic and energetic presence at Ohio State sporting events, representing the university's pride and spirit.

UC Santa Cruz - Banana Slug. The Banana Slug of UC Santa Cruz is an odd choice for a mascot, but it represents the school's focus on environmentalism and the outdoors. The slimy creatures are often seen at campus events and are beloved by students.

Saint Louis University - Billiken. The Billikens of Saint Louis University in Missouri are a bizarre mix of different animals. The mascot is a creature with the head of a gnome, the ears of a cat, and the body of a bear.