Mascot

A mascot is a character who is considered to be symbolic of a school, sports team, or other group. Traditionally, a mascot was believed to bring good luck to the team or group it represents.

A person dressed in a costume of the mascot character may often appear at key events for the group whom he represents. If the mascot is an animal, the costume is essentially a fursuit. The existence and visibility of such mascots has played a role in sparking an interest in fursuiting for many furry fans. Some have actually had the opportunity to be a mascot, while many others wish they could have had the chance.

It is also common for a group or organization, often online, to designate a mascot, a logo or figurehead character meant to be symbolic of that group. Some examples:
 * Anima, created by Ken Sample, is mascot for a chapter of the Cartoon/Fantasy Organization;
 * Rankin, created by Donotsue, is the mascot of Crush! Yiff! Destroy!;
 * Eric W. Schwartz's character Amy the Squirrel became a mascot of sorts among the Amiga community.