When did Wisconsin have a live badger for a mascot?

Wisconsin had a live badger as a mascot during the 1940s and early 1950s. The live badger, named "Bucky," was used by the University of Wisconsin-Madison to represent its athletic teams. However, due to concerns about animal welfare and practicality, the live mascot was eventually retired, and the university adopted a costumed version of Bucky Badger, which has become a beloved symbol of the school.