What is the mascot of Penn State University?

The mascot of Penn State University is the Nittany Lion. This mascot represents the spirit and tradition of the university and is named after the nearby Nittany Mountains, which are significant in local history and culture. The Nittany Lion is often depicted in a costume that embodies the characteristics of a mountain lion, which further ties into the school's heritage and pride. This connection to local geography and history makes the Nittany Lion a fitting symbol for Penn State, which is widely recognized and celebrated at athletic events and university gatherings.

In contrast, the other choices represent mascots from different universities. Purdue Pete is associated with Purdue University, while Boilermaker refers to the team name for Purdue's athletic teams. The Scarlet Knight is the mascot for Rutgers University. Each of these mascots holds significance for their respective institutions, but only the Nittany Lion is the official mascot of Penn State University.