Thousands of Crocheted Octopi Hidden at Colorado State University

Students at Colorado State University have spent years hiding thousands ^[1] of handmade crocheted octopi across the campus in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The tradition serves as a clandestine community project that connects different generations of students through a shared, whimsical secret. By leaving these figures in unexpected places, participants create a hidden layer of campus culture that persists despite the constant turnover of the student body.

These small, yarn-based creatures are placed in various locations throughout the university grounds ^[1]. The practice has evolved into a long-standing tradition that students continue to uphold as they navigate their academic careers ^[2].

Participants in the activity said they want to keep the tradition alive even after they graduate ^[2]. This ensures that the cycle of placement and discovery continues for new arrivals at the institution. The act of crocheting and hiding the figures allows students to leave a tangible, albeit small, mark on the campus environment.

While the exact origin of the practice is not detailed, the scale of the effort is significant. Thousands ^[1] of these figures have been integrated into the campus landscape over the years ^[2]. The persistence of the trend suggests a strong social bond among the student population who participate in the crafting and hiding process.

Because the octopi are hidden in diverse locations, they often surprise those who are unaware of the tradition. This element of surprise is central to the appeal of the project, turning a standard walk to class into a scavenger hunt of sorts.