Seven months ago, high atop a mountain in Glacier National Park, an eagle hatched from its egg. While the birth of the national bird is common in the wilderness, no one could foresee that this particular hatchling would one day be famous.
Last week the young bird – who has grown considerably – was wandering the Flathead Valley Community College campus handing out gift certificates to a local coffee shop. The eagle, named Timber, has scored his first job as mascot for FVCC.
“He’s part of the FVCC family now,” said associate marketing director and self-appointed wingman Katie White. “He’s been a huge hit.”
Timber was born just days before last year’s Northwest Montana Fair and appeared in the parade. Since then he has become a constant fixture around campus and at community events. White said administrators had considered getting a mascot for the last few years and an eagle was once included on the school’s official logo. The name Timber was selected to honor the area’s long history with logging as well as a shout out to FVCC’s nationally acclaimed logger sports team.
Timber will attend FVCC events and work closely with the school’s student ambassadors. Two administrators help play Timber, including one who has previous mascot experience and in high school performed at the Rose Bowl. In order to keep the mystery of Timber alive, the person asked not to be named.
“I never thought I’d be able to use those skills again,” the administrator said laughing. “People get wrapped up in trying to figure out who’s playing Timber, but that’s part of the fun.”
The nameless administrator said one of the biggest challenges is communicating without speaking. Timber gets his message across by jumping, flapping his wings and giving high fives and thumbs up, which is impressive for a winged-creature.
“Being a mascot is fun because you can be really expressive,” the administrator said. “Most people don’t run down the hallways hugging people, but as Timber you can.”
For more information about Timber, visit his Facebook fan page “Timber – FVCC Mascot.”