Texas mascot won't make trip to Notre Dame game

University of Texas mascot Bevo XIV, a 2,100-pound Texas Longhorn steer, won't be traveling to South Bend for the Sept. 5 Notre Dame vs. Texas football game because of Notre Dame's "no-live-mascots" policy.

Bevo XIV himself made the announcement via Twitter: "Notre Dame has a no live mascot policy at their stadium — so I won't be making the trip, but I'll be there in spirit. #BEATND #HookEm"

(The steer also has his own Facebook page and fan club.)

Bevo XIV is looked after by the Silver Spurs, a student service group at the university, the Austin (Tex.) American-Statesman reported Thursday. According to the Ricky Brennes, a spokesman for the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, the mascot needs a lot of space.

“His horn span’s about 81 inches, tip to tip,” Brennes said. “Normally he gets about a 12 (feet) by 12 (feet) spacce."

The sidelines at Notre Dame Stadium don't have much room for large live mascots.

Bevo XIV also won't be traveling to Oklahoma State, the newspaper reported.

The steer has a special space designated for him in the southwest corner of the stands during home games in Austin.

Texas has used a live Longhorn steer as a mascot since 1916. The current steer is the 14th Bevo so far.