SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Scottsbluff Public Schools sent shockwaves — and laughs — across the district Tuesday announcing they were ditching their beloved Bearcat mascot in favor of a more local alternative: the Squirrel.

The district issued a statement early April 1, explaining that after “much discussion,” they had decided to retire the Bearcat — a binturong native to South and Southeast Asia — in favor of a creature more familiar to the Panhandle.

“Effective today, Scottsbluff’s mascot will now be the Squirrels,” the district declared, noting the new name would better reflect the native wildlife of western Nebraska.

The move caused a flurry of reactions from students, staff, alumni and community members — many of whom momentarily bought into the prank before catching on to the calendar date.

“We heard some of you got a little squirrely at the thought that our mascot had changed,” the district later posted in a follow-up, confirming that the Bearcats are staying put. “Thanks to Scottsbluff Animal Control, we have removed the pesky rodents from our district. No one here but us Bearcats.”

Scottsbluff Public Schools Communications Director Melissa Price hopped on board The Big Boy Tuesday morning to talk about the prank’s impact, including the flood of comments and some tongue-in-cheek ideas for student section nicknames — including “Squirrel Squad.” Listen to the full conversation above.

The Bearcat, while not native to Nebraska, has been a longtime symbol of pride for Scottsbluff athletics and academics.