Tim the Beaver is the official mascot of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The beaver was chosen as the mascot on January 17, 1914, after a proposal by the Technology Club of New York’s alumni dinner. 
The beaver was selected because it’s known for its engineering and mechanical skills, industry habits, nocturnal habits, and for doing its best work in the dark, which are all qualities that are considered appropriate for the institute. The beaver was also named Tim, which is the reverse spelling of MIT.
Why a beaver?
The beaver was chosen as MIT’s mascot in 1914 due to its remarkable traits that closely align with those of MIT students and alumni. Dubbed “nature’s engineer,” the beaver is known for its natural proficiency in construction. The beaver was therefore chosen for its characteristics of industry, ingenuity, and intelligence, qualities that MIT aims to instill in its students.
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