At the dawn of time, great herds of freshmen roamed the vast expanses of the West. Today their numbers have dwindled to small packs of between 30 and 50 individuals.

Efforts are underway to preserve the remaining members of the species. UCSB’s programs have been particularly successful. Bat math professors and regirstration blocks are helping to keep some students freshmen for as long as three years.

Freshman packs are best observed between the hours of 1-:30 and midnight. Go outside sometime this weekend and observe this local wildlife treasure.

Thursday’s Forecast: Freshman herds dwindle as classes begin, but prepare to thrive on the weekend.