These mascots are deeply tied to local culture, geography, or history.
- The Lumberjack (Northern Arizona)
- The Griz (Montana)
- The Bison (North Dakota State)
- The Jackrabbit (South Dakota State)
- The Bronco (Boise State)
- The Aztec Warrior (San Diego State)
- The Gaucho (UC Santa Barbara)
- The Miner (UTEP)
- The Roadrunner (UTSA)
- The Chanticleer (Coastal Carolina)
- The Razorback (Arkansas)
- The Mustang (SMU)
- The Cougar (Houston)
- The Owl (Rice)
- The Panther (Pitt)
- The Terrier (Wofford)
- The Seahawk (UNC Wilmington)
- The Phoenix (Elon)
- The Monarch (Old Dominion)
- The Pirate (East Carolina)