**Mike the Tiger, LSU’s Beloved Live Mascot, Goes Missing; Campus Officials Urge Public Assistance**
Louisiana State University (LSU) and the surrounding Baton Rouge community are in a state of shock and concern after Mike the Tiger, the university’s cherished live mascot, was reported missing earlier today. The 550-pound Bengal tiger, a symbol of LSU pride and tradition for decades, was last seen in his habitat adjacent to Tiger Stadium during routine morning checks. By midday, caretakers realized he was unaccounted for, prompting an immediate lockdown of the area and a coordinated search effort involving campus police, local authorities, and wildlife experts.
University officials held an emergency press conference this afternoon, urging the public to remain calm but vigilant. LSU President William F. Tate IV addressed the media, calling Mike “not just a mascot, but a member of the LSU family.” He assured the community that every resource was being deployed to locate the tiger safely. “Mike’s well-being is our top priority,” Tate said. “We are working closely with wildlife specialists, law enforcement, and emergency responders to ensure his safe return.” Authorities have not yet determined how Mike escaped his secured enclosure, which is designed with multiple safety protocols to prevent such incidents. An investigation into potential security failures is already underway.
The Baton Rouge Police Department has issued a citywide advisory, warning residents to avoid approaching the tiger if spotted and to immediately call 911 or LSU’s emergency hotline. Mike, though accustomed to human presence, is still a wild animal and could pose a danger if cornered or frightened. Wildlife experts emphasize that he is more likely to avoid populated areas, but precautions are necessary. Helicopters with thermal imaging, K-9 units, and drones have been deployed to scour nearby wooded areas and the Mississippi River levees, where a large animal could potentially take refuge.
The disappearance has sent waves of distress through the LSU community, where Mike the Tiger is far more than a game-day symbol—he is a living emblem of school spirit. Since the first Mike was introduced in 1936, each subsequent tiger has been a source of pride, with the current Mike VII residing in a state-of-the-art habitat that includes lush vegetation, a flowing stream, and climate-controlled indoor spaces. Thousands of visitors, including prospective students and fans, visit his enclosure yearly, making his absence deeply unsettling. Social media has erupted with the hashtag #FindMike, with alumni, students, and even rival SEC schools sharing updates and expressions of support.
The LSU Veterinary School, which oversees Mike’s care, released a statement confirming that he was in good health before his disappearance. His daily routine includes enrichment activities, veterinary check-ups, and a carefully monitored diet. Staff members noted no signs of distress or unusual behavior in recent days, deepening the mystery of his sudden vanishing. Some speculate that human interference—whether accidental or intentional—could be a factor, though no evidence of foul play has been confirmed.
Local businesses and schools near campus have been advised to take temporary precautions, with some closing early as a safety measure. Parents of students at LSU Lab School received notifications about heightened security, though no direct threat has been identified. Meanwhile, LSU’s athletics department, which has long celebrated Mike as a rallying point for teams and fans, postponed a scheduled public event at the habitat, instead redirecting focus toward recovery efforts.
The situation has drawn comparisons to past incidents involving escaped zoo animals, though experts note that Mike’s upbringing in captivity makes him less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior unless provoked. Dr. Rebecca Klein, a big cat behaviorist consulting on the search, explained, “Unlike wild tigers, Mike is habituated to human voices and routines. However, any wild animal in an unfamiliar environment can be unpredictable. The goal is to locate him quickly and use non-invasive methods to secure him.”
As night falls, search teams remain active, using spotlights and motion sensors in areas where Mike may have wandered. Volunteers have been asked to refrain from joining the search unless officially coordinated, as amateurs could inadvertently complicate efforts or put themselves at risk. The university has set up a tip line for credible sightings, while officials stress the importance of avoiding speculation or spreading unverified information.
For now, the LSU community waits anxiously, hoping for Mike’s safe return. His habitat, usually a lively spot on campus, sits eerily quiet, with only the faint sounds of search teams in the distance. Whether this proves to be a bizarre mishap or something more deliberate, one thing is certain: the spirit of LSU feels incomplete without its iconic tiger. Updates are expected in the coming hours, and until then, the message remains clear—help bring Mike home.
