Meet the animal behind ULM’s mascot!

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - This is Harley! He’s a red-shouldered hawk at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe.

They’re well known as the mascot for the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and sometimes they’ll have one fly across the field before a game.

Zookeeper Grace Scarbrough says they can be found from the northwest U.S. to Canada and some of northern Mexico. She says they will migrate south.

“In winter, they can fluff up their feathers to make it look like they’re wearing a big jacket,” explains Scarbrough. “And you’ll see them basking in the sunlight.”

She says they do the opposite in the summer, taking cover in the shade.

“They hunt in the morning and in the evening, kind of like rush hour,” says Scarbrough.

While construction continues on the new Louisiana Purchase Exhibit, the Reptile Building is closed.

Until then, you can request some reptiles at educational programs or birthday parties, or you might just see one at the zoo when staff are taking them on a stroll.

Call 318-329-2400 for more information.

You can also volunteer with the zoo. Contact the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society through their Facebook page.