In the spring of 1995, the UNBC Mascot Committee held a contest requesting Mascot submissions for UNBC. Sixteen entries were received from which the committee short listed five finalists: the Raven, the Timberwolves, the Badgers, the Lynx and the Bears. Student assistance was sought in determining the choice. The Raven became the number one choice; however, upon additional research it was discovered the Raven was the Mascot of Carleton University. Upon further considerations, the Timberwolves was selected for the following reasons:

• The Timberwolves was the number one choice of students
• A wolf, a pack of wolves or family of wolves has marketing value for intramural, recreation, fitness and athletic programs 
• Timberwolves rely on their strength, intelligence, and cooperative society, which as positive traits for which UNBC students and all northern residents strive
• Timberwolves, seen as strong but elusive animals are an ideal image to rally school spirit and pride
• Timberwolves live in all UNBC regions through all 12 months of the year, which ensures all regions are included whereas an animal distinct to one area may exclude some regions
• Timberwolves, by virtue of their name create an affiliation between the University and the regional community which was built on the timber industry

The UNBC Mascot Committee members:

• Iona Campagnolo, UNBC Chancellor
• Carol Sigurdson, UNBC Board of Governors Representative
• Tony Fletcher, Senate Representative
• Clive Keen, Director of Communications
• Darren Bradley, Student Society Representative
• Jim O'Meara, Coordinator Intramurals, Recreation and Fitness

Check out some of the mascot submissions below.