| Tusk | |
 |
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| University | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Conference | SEC |
| Description | Russian boar |
| First seen | |
| Related mascot(s) | Big Red, Sue E., Pork Chop, Boss Hog |
| Official website | Tusk |
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 475 pounds each.
All three Russian boars live on a rural farm, just outside of Dardanelle, Arkansas, and travel to every home football game at Fayetteville, or Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as other select events (such as pep rallies). Tusk II is put into a spacious cardinal red holding pen which travels through the crowds, with the cheerleaders on the upper level, making him a crowd favorite. During the actual game, Tusk is moved into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium where he can be seen by the entire crowd.
Tusk II, along with UGA, the Georgia Bulldog mascot, are the only lineage live mascots in the SEC. There are only a few lineage mascots in the entire country.
Tusk II occupies a 9,000 square foot indoor facility and a 7,000 square foot fenced outdoor area. He uses the indoor facility to escape the heat and sun, and the outdoor facility provides him the opportunity to slop in several mud holes. One of the first things that Tusk II does each day is to go straight to his mud hole for a mud bath. Since Razorbacks are extremely muscular and have very little body fat, the mud keeps him cooler throughout the day and protects him from the sun and insects.
Other Facts About Tusk
> Russian boars are extremely strong and surprisingly quick and fast for their size. Tusk II has repeatedly jumped over a four foot gate, at a weight of almost 500 pounds!
> Tusk II signs autographs. An actual hoof print of Tusk II was taken and applied to an ink stamp that can be used on paper or T-shirts. Kids and Razorback fans can request the stamp where ever Tusk II makes an appearance.
>Tusk II has a Facebook page that can be found by searching for Tusk Razorback Mascot.
Previous University of Arkansas live mascots
In addition to Tusk I (the father of the current Tusks who died in December 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 what one of Arkansas' human mascotis called.
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.
External links
- Article on Tusk and how he is cared for before a game
- Tusk Profile at ArkansasRazorbacks.com
- Tusk Photo Gallery at ArkansasRazorbacks.com
- University of Arkansas traditions (Tusk and others)
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