Big Ten mascots, including newbies Testudo and the Scarlet Knight, are on the loose in the nation's capitol to celebrate Maryland and Rutgers' move to the Big Ten, which become official Tuesday. See some of our favorite pictures from the mascots' visits to the White House, Washington Monument and so much more in this post.

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Goldy having fun with the Washington Monument. #B1GWelcome pic.twitter.com/1AbfUSjHCp — Big Ten Conference (@bigtenconf) June 30, 2014

Giving a #B1GWelcome in a monumental way. pic.twitter.com/frweuGrCa7 — Big Ten Conference (@bigtenconf) June 30, 2014

Me and my B1G friends are rocking it in DC pic.twitter.com/d38ZSkbxME — Herky the Hawk (@TheREALHerky) June 30, 2014

Got all access to the top of the capital building steps. #celebritystatus pic.twitter.com/SYLoKKnFHT — Herky the Hawk (@TheREALHerky) June 30, 2014

The Washington Monument doesn't look anything like George Washington #B1GtakesDC pic.twitter.com/maNU0vngBH — Goldy Gopher (@GoldytheGopher) June 30, 2014

Stopped by the White House on our trip to welcome Maryland and Rutgers to the #B1G! pic.twitter.com/ZSaYlVHrgb — Goldy Gopher (@GoldytheGopher) June 30, 2014

The #B1G is invading DC! Any Boilermakers in DC keep your eyes open for me and all my spirit friends! #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/NmcA0YqmE4 — The REAL Purdue Pete (@TheRealPUPete) June 30, 2014