Limestone Ledger

CUSTER STATE PARK, SD – Indiana University officials confirmed Monday that Hoosier the Bison, the beloved costumed mascot of IU athletics, has temporarily stalled in rural South Dakota after reportedly wandering off to reunite with his biological herd while traveling to the Rose Bowl festivities.

The mascot, last seen chewing thoughtfully on prairie grass, is believed to have been overwhelmed after spotting what witnesses described as “an entire field of extremely confused actual bison cautiously licking and sniffing Hoosier.”

“He just stepped off the charter bus, locked eyes with a real bull, and froze with excitement,” said one IU Athletics staffer who asked not to be named. “Next thing we know, he’s trotting into the distance like he heard the call of the ancestors.”

According to early reports, Hoosier spent several hours with the herd engaging in what observers characterized as warm but noticeably awkward bonding, including nuzzling attempts, uncertain galloping, and at least one failed effort to blend in during a communal dust bath.

University officials insist this will not affect bowl game preparations.

“We remain confident Hoosier will complete the remaining 1,600 miles to Pasadena once he finishes processing some things,” said IU spokesperson Carla Ventner. “Identity is complicated. Especially when you’re a mascot who just learned he may have a greater purpose.”

Local ranchers described the reunion as “touching,” though added that the herd seemed “a little suspicious of his sneakers.”

Meanwhile, fans tracking Hoosier’s progress via the university’s GPS mascot locator, an initiative originally created to prevent him from disappearing during tailgates, reported that his dot hasn’t moved in 14 hours.

IU Athletics reassures supporters that a recovery team is prepared to coax him back to the bus with Upland beer and recorded Memorial Stadium crowd noise if necessary.

“He’ll get to the Rose Bowl,” said head coach Curt Cignetti. “Just maybe after he sorts out who he really is deep down.”