Tusk (mascot)
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Tusk is the name of the official live mascot for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. It is one of three offspring of Tusk I (all male; female boars do not have tusks) which were born on either August 2, 2002 or August 12, 2002, to two separate female boars. All three are Russian boars, resemble wild razorback hogs, and weigh in at approximately 400 pounds each.
All three Russian boars live on a local farm and travel to every home football game, as well as other select events (such as pep rallies). Before a game, whichever boar is willing to go with "Team Tusk" of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity is given the moniker "Tusk" for the game or event. The chosen boar is put into a spacious cardinal red holding pen and is displayed in front of the stadium, making him a crowd favorite. During the actual game, Tusk is moved inside the stadium where he can be seen by the entire crowd. "Team Tusk" is made up of members of the fraternity and they care for the boar on game weekends.
[edit] Previous University of Arkansas live mascots
In addition to Tusk I (the father of the current Tusks who died in December of 2004), the live mascot tradition dates back to the 1960s and a number of hogs have represented the university through the years. In addition to their presence on the sidelines of sporting events, some have also gained a reputation for some of their activities off the field. The live mascot was once called "Big Red", but that is now Arkansas' human mascot.
Big Red III, for instance, escaped from an animal exhibit near Eureka Springs in the summer of 1977 and ravaged the countryside before an irate farmer gunned him down. Ragnar, a wild hog captured in south Arkansas by Leola farmer Bill Robinson, killed a coyote, a 450-pound domestic pig, and seven rattlesnakes. Ragnar died in 1978 of unknown causes.
[edit] External links
- Article on Tusk and how he is cared for before a game
- University of Arkansas traditions (Tusk and others)
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