The most familiar portrayal of Bucky Badger, wearing a "W" varsity sweater with white and red stripes and strutting forward with a fierce expression, was drawn by California-based commercial artist Art Evans in 1940, and first sold from Duffy's Book Store in Madison.

[2][3] A popular version of Bucky sporting boxing gloves was first drawn by hometown Madison artist Thomas Spiece.

[4] An actual badger from Eau Claire was used at the first few football games that year, but proved to be too fierce to be controlled properly and was retired to the nearby Henry Vilas Zoo.

A UW-Madison Gymnast and cheerleader, Bill Sagal, wore the outfit at the homecoming game and a contest was started to name the mascot properly.

In 2006, Bucky was inducted as a charter member of the Mascot Hall of Fame's College Division, joining YoUDee from Delaware, Sparty from the Michigan State University, and Aubie from Auburn.

For example, during football games Bucky often directs sections N, O, and P to dance along with the band's music or pretends to pick fights with certain students.

A UW art student, Carolyn (Connie) Conrard designed the original chicken wire and papier-mâché head.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office allowed the UW to register the marks despite previous third-party use on the grounds that the public identified the Bucky Badger logo with the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

[8] Blind Bucky is sometimes used to represent the University of Wisconsin Law School as a variation of the allegorical figure of blindfolded Lady Justice.

[citation needed] The College of Agriculture & Life Science's Short Course has a Farmer Bucky, clad in Motion W overalls and carrying a pitchfork.

They perform throughout the year, including breaks and holidays, representing the university and the state at athletic events, but also at ceremonies, parades, festivals, weddings, and even an occasional funeral.

The film, which was created by Chicago ad-men John Fromstein and Scott Smith, both Wisconsin natives, follows the 2007–2008 Buckys: Chris, Blake, Dave, Sky, Ryan, Craig and Jeff.