One very important Tiger may be absent from some pregame celebrations this football season, according to University officials. Although LSU School of Veterinary Medicine student handlers have worked with Mike the Tiger during the summer on getting him in and out of his trailer, there is a possibility the live mascot won’t make it into the gold carriage for some games, David Baker, the University’s attending veterinarian, said in a prepared statement. Mike is a young adult male tiger, Baker said, and because of this, may not always comply. “We know how important it is to the fans that he be in the stadium,” Baker said. “But we can’t force him to do so, and we absolutely would never do that even if we could.” Mike VI came to the University in August 2007 as a rambunctious 2-year-old. Baker said Mike has matured, becoming more cautious and less inquisitive — normal signs of tiger development. “If Mike VI does not attend the pregame festivities, it is important for fans to know that this does not mean that something is wrong,” Baker said. “Mike VI is a healthy, normal tiger.”Mike the Tiger is traditionally driven around Tiger Stadium in a gold cage — complete with cheerleaders on top — stopping for cheers, pictures and the occasional roar.  “That’s a big part of LSU football history,” said Lexie Duhon, biology sophomore. “[But] you can’t really make that massive thing do anything.”Amy Dyess, creative writing senior, said she understands but is disappointed Mike may not make it to every game. “It might be a challenging season,” Dyess said. “Keeping with LSU tradition, it’d be nice to see him around.” LSU will face Vanderbilt on Saturday at 6 p.m.—–Contact Kyle Bove at [email protected]