Scout Mascot Handbook

A Guide to Becoming Scout

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Scout Handbook created by Lori Caminiti, Amanda Decker, Krista De Heus, and Andrew Kuraitis at Boise
State University in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, 2015.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction... 4

Mission Statement and Press Release... 4

Appropriate Venues.... 4

History of Idaho Parks and Recreation... 4

Scouts Story. 5

2. Scouts Behavior Guidelines... 6

The Five Es of being a Mascot. 6

Health Tips for Mascots. 7

Items Youll Need and Before You Start Quick Tips.. 7

Suggested Timeline for Preparing to be Scout.. 8

Tough Performance Situations 8

Performer Safety .. 9

Practice and Personality .. 9

Arm and Hand Gestures .. 9

3. Handler Guidelines .. 11

Possible Questions for Scout. 12

4. Cleaning, Maintenance and Responsibilities.. 13

Cleaning... 13

Rental Agreement Instructions and Guidelines 14

Damage Report Instructions.. 14

Emergency Costume Repair 14

5. Appendix . 15

Cleaning Log Document. 16

Rental Agreement Document 17

Damage Report Document. 18

Color Activity Sheet . 19

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Introduction

This manual is a guide to Scout, the mascot for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recrea-
tion (IDPR). It covers the mission, history, and appropriate venues for Scout, as well as a
complete manual for use and care of the uniform.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is to improve the quality of life in Idaho
through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship.

Press Release
Scout is the official mascot for the Idaho Parks and Recreation department and is available for public ap-
pearances in state parks, schools and other special events.

For more information on Scout or to schedule an appearance, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at
Kathryn.Hampton@idpr.idaho.gov.

Appropriate Venues
Scout may be used at events which promote IDPR in the public sphere, and are non-political in nature.
Campaign rallies, party-specific events, or other clearly side-taking events are inappropriate. Generally
speaking, Scouts mission is informational; he should not be used for personal gain and never be brought
into a situation which brings discredit or poor publicity upon IDPR.

History of Idaho Parks and Recreation

The first state park was established in Idaho in 1965 and was named Harriman State Park. There are now 30
state parks and trails across Idaho. In the spring of 2015, Idaho Parks and Recreation wanted to increase
the parks visibility and appeal to children. They decided to use a mascot to further this cause. It is the hope
that Scout will be a good spokesperson for Idaho Parks and Recreation. In an effort to get kids involved,
leaders turned to students across Idaho to name the mascot and write a background story. The winning
entry (see below) came from Mrs. Nicole De Vries class out of Midvale, Idaho.

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Scouts Story
The credit goes to:
Help Name Our Mascot Competition
Teacher: Mrs. Nicole DeVries
School: Midvale School Midvale, ID

Many centuries ago, back when the Nez Perce roamed Idahos Palouse Valley, before the days of the fur
trappers and traders, before Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery made their trek through the Idaho
wilderness, before the missionaries, miners, and pioneers settled this great state, deep in the vast forest
near the pristine Clearwater River, a little red fox kit was born. There was something magical about this
special kit. His magic was to love and help those in need. He also had the power to stay alive as long as he
did good deeds for others.

This generous kit had a fun and jolly childhood. During his youth, he learned his talents one by one. He
started out by doing good deeds for the other forest animals. At first, he did just small acts of kindness. He
gathered nuts for squirrels and helped baby birds that fell out of trees. He was a friend to every creature.
As he grew older, his deeds became more significant.

One day, in particular, a charitable action of his changed the course of his life forever. While romping
through the forest and keeping an eye out for an animal in distress, he suddenly heard, Somebody, help
me, please! Im scared, cold, and longing for my family! Lost and alone in the deep dark woods, he dis-
covered a little Nez Perce girl caught in a snare of a wolf trap.
Oh, you poor thing! Let me help you, exclaimed the fox.
Oh, thank you. I know Im safe now, the girl cried with relief.
But then she paused and said, Wait! My parents are probably worried sick about me. I need to get home
to them, but I dont know the way. Can you help me?
Of course, I will. Thats what Im meant to do, replied the fox.

He helped her find her way home. When her parents saw her, their eyes were filled with tears of joy.
The girl named him Scout because of that one scouting trip he made when he saved her life. She and her
parents wanted to adopt him and bring him into the tribe, but they knew he must go back to the wilder-
ness to do what he did best help those in need. The tribe spread the word throughout the land about this
very special fox. His story has been told for generations.

Ever since that important day, Scout continues to scout around, looking to lend a hand wherever he can.
Because he continues to do kind deeds for others, he lives on as the Idaho Parks and Recreations most
loyal and honored mascot. He travels throughout this great state visiting Idahos Magnificent State Parks.
If you stay and play at any of the twenty-seven parks in the Gem State, you just might spot Scout help-
ing a visitor in need. Who knows? Maybe he could even help you!

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Scout Behavior Guidelines

The FIVE E's of Being a Mascot:

Entrance: Take the opportunity to make a big entrance. Make people aware of your presence. Wave to your
audience, dance, and most of all, grab that attention!

Exaggeration: You are in a huge costume, wearing huge feet, a huge head, and needing a huge personality
to fill out the costume. You need to double or even triple the actions you would normally do so your cos-
tume does not hide what you are doing. Walking is usually suggested as a march, try not to drag your feet,
but pick them up off of the ground. A smooth wobble, a jump in your step, or even a child-like bounce adds
character to your steps. If you are waving to hundreds of people, make sure the child in the upper row can
see you. Use your whole body!

Emotion: Practice a number of emotions, happy, sad, angry, scared, excited, bashful, and so on, in front of a
mirror with your head on. Learn where the facial features of your costume are and use them the way a hu-
man (or animal) would. Once you have rehearsed some emotions thoroughly using your head and arms, try
and use the rest of your body as well. Slow motion, trudging feet, shaking, kowtowing, jumping up and
down, skipping, and elation are great emotions to try. And remember that the costume will hide a lot of
your gestures, so make sure that you exaggerate!

Elevation: Mascots are expected to be larger than life. But the person making them animated should re-
member that differences in elevation will be more effective than one who uses slight variations in elevation.
To get higher elevation: try some things on your toes, peer down at children, jump, or climb on something
(sturdy, of course). To get lower elevation: slide, kneel, lay down, lunge, or fall unexpectedly. If you do a
little of both it will add to your animation.

Energy: Mascots are not expected to run out of gas before they are done. If you are starting out DO NOT GO
CRAZY. Pace yourself. If you do run out of breath and you cannot get to the changing room, move to a chair
or a bench and use your arms to keep your motions going while you catch your breath. Do not feel like you
have to be Daffy Duck (high strung) throughout the event. Remember, Bugs Bunny got credit for keeping
cool and he had the last laugh!

MOST OF ALL, treat everyone with respect. You cannot win everyone over, and you should never expect to.
Remember: everyone has a different reason for being at an event.

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Health Tips For Mascots
If you have the desire to be a long-term mascot you will learn to tolerate the heat longer as you perform
more and more. Your body will build up a tolerance for the heat by enacting the natural cooling process. Re-
search and learn what is best for your body with your doctor and/or trainer.

Two factors will always remain the same:

1. You are wearing a costume that heats your body in an unnatural state.

2. Your body is going to want to cool itself down in a natural fashion. You can only absorb approximately a
quart of water every hour and you can sweat in a mascot costume faster than that, so hydrate starting three
days before. Drink little sips all day spread out throughout the day.

Urine should be lemonade in color. Use the frozen gel packs, and most importantly, pace your recovery. Re-
search shows that diluted Gatorade is best (Cho 5). Gatorade straight out of the bottle takes longer than wa-
ter to assimilate, but you really do need the electrolytes. As for bulking up on potassium, you cannot. A
good part of the cramping you might feel the day after a hot appearance is partially the loss of potassium
from your muscles. (You cannot put it in your muscles before you deplete it.) Try potatoes (chips have po-
tassium and the salt you need as well) and bananas to replenish. When long weekends in costume come
around, 'carbo-load' on pastas and breads half of the week and drink a lot of water! Wheat Thins are a good
choice because they filling, but they are not very heavy. You do not want to eat anything heavy before
putting on the costume.

Items Youll Need:

1. Gel packs-put them in the fridge or freezer the night before to make sure they stay cold.
2. Diluted Gatorade or water for your dressing area.
3. A great attitude!

Before You Start/Quick Tips

1. You should be in good health. Being a mascot is a very active role.
2. The maximum time a performer should be in costume is 30 minutes. Performance time should decrease
in very hot weather.
3. You cannot be over 6 feet tall to fit inside the costume.
4. Three days before, start hydrating well. Drink little sips all day throughout the day.
5. Remember to use the gel packs to keep you cool .
6. You should NOT be claustrophobic. Also, you will not be able to scratch your face or anywhere you have
an itch while in the costume. You must be okay with this.
7. Do not lock your knees. Always keep your knees slightly bent.
8. Mascots DO NOT TALK! They use their body language to communicate. Arm and hand gestures are very
important--don't leave them out. (See Arm and hand gestures on p. )
9. Its about the right attitude. React to your surroundings! Be the life of the party. Joke around, dance,
make your presence known, and always be respectful.

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Suggested Timeline for Preparing to be Scout
Two weeks before the event:
Read Scouts story and start practicing gestures and walking.

One week before the event:

scope out the events location and find out where your audience will be located.
Continue practicing gestures and mannerisms.

Three days before the event:

Start hydrating. Drink little sips all day spread out throughout the day.
Continue practicing gestures and mannerisms.

One day before the event:

Put the freezer/gel packs in the freezer and charge the fans battery (for the helmet to stay cool).

Tough Performance Situations

Scenario 1: Getting clobbered by kids
What to Do: Walk away. Tell your handler.
Preparation: Your handler should be with you at all times. Also know the permissible actions you can take
in this matter.
What Not To Do: Do not retaliate. Keep your cool!
Scenario 2: You get injured during an appearance
What to Do: Tell your handler and then conservatively walk away. Go to your changing room and assess
the damage.
What Not to Do: Do not stay in the area and continue to perform!

Scenario 3: Encountering a scared child

What to Do: Pull your actions in. Make slow, small movements so that the child feels less threatened. If
the child continues to cry, walk away.
What Not to Do: Do not push a child to stop crying. Do not sneak up on toddlers and do not tower over a
frightened child.
Scenario 4: Picking up children
What to Do: Careful! Let the parents put the child in your arms and take them out of your arms. If it is an
older child, you can hug them and pick them up halfway and then set them down gently. Also, when you
hug, watch where your hands go! Sometimes big-fingered paws reach out to places you do not mean for
them to reach!
What Not to Do: Do not grab a child harshly, swing her around, and do your best to check for bandages or
scars. You do not want to accidentally harm a child.
Scenario 5: Hugging/touching children
What to Do: When dealing with children, always use "the head and back" rule. When interacting with
them, you can mess up their hair, pat them on the head, and so on. For hugging, it is on the back and
above the belt."
What Not to Do: Do not let your hand stray to any part of a child (or adult) in a way that could be interpret-
ed as unacceptable. Many mascots have lost their jobs due to "straying hands," because of costumes that
have long fingers that cannot always be controlled well.
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Performer Safety
BEFORE an event, be sure to create an emergency hand signal for you, Scout, to use with your handler. You
should both agree on the signal and practice using it a few times. A time out hand signal, forming your
hands to make a T, is often useful.

Practice and Personality

The primary thing to remember is that mascots do not talk! Also, make sure to practice! Practice move-
ment with your handler. Get feedback. While practicing, figure out your hand signals, as mentioned in Per-
former Safety. The performer with a new mascot has to define the personality of that mascot.

Email the Volunteer Coordinator at Kathryn.Hampton@idpr.idaho.gov if you have any questions regarding
Scouts personality or over the persona that the Idaho Parks and Rec wishes Scout to project. Once this is
done, then the job of operation becomes a lot easier as each gesture and reaction of the mascot will then
have a reason. This is what separates a mascot from a person in a costume.

What is Scouts personality? Are you sly? Are you a jokester? Are you shy? What sort of an image are you
expected to portray? The more you know regarding your mascot's character and your audience, the more
fun you'll have. Again, if you have any questions regarding Scouts personality or over the persona that the
Idaho Parks and Rec wishes Scout to project, email the Volunteer Coordinator at Kathryn.Hampton@
idpr.idaho.gov. As you learn how people react to your actions, you can develop a character that really
"speaks". Remember that you represent Idaho Parks and Recreation while in costume. Mind your behavior.
One of the best ways to develop a mascot's personality is through a lot of practice, both at non critical
events and in front of a mirror, in full costume. Operating a mascot is a very physical occupation. All ges-
tures need to be larger than life to communicate to large crowds.

Arm and Hand Gestures

"Here I am" wave: Use to get the attention of large audiences. Use your whole arm with large sweeping
gestures. Stretch out your hand and fingers. Make yourself as big as you can get.

"I'm a little shy" wave: Use for relating to small, shy children. Open and close your hand in a child-like
wave. Shy and giggling body language and games like peek-a-boo will make you more approachable.

"Thumbs Up": Works great with pre-teens and teenagers. This lets you acknowledge the person in a fun
and positive manner.

"High Five": is a great way to greet a teenager or an adult. Most teenagers find a hug or a handshake too
uncool! A high five allows them to be a part of the fun while still remaining "cool.

Laughing : Bring your hands up to the mascots mouth and nod the mascot head forward in a rapid motion
to signal laughing.

Blowing a kiss: Put your hand to the mascot mouth and then flat out in front of the head with the palm
up.

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Hugging: Be gentle when hugging. Remember that children may feel shy or intimidated by a gigantic
furry presence. Also, if you give a strong forceful hug, especially to an adult or teenager you run the risk
of initiating an aggressive or confrontational situation.

I love you! point to yourself then use both hands to draw a heart in the air and point to the
recipient.

Im scared! run away, cover your eyes, and shake your knees. Lifting one hand up to peek out can
be very comical.

Aww, shucks! give a little sweeping kick forward while hooking your arm in front of you.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT remove, for any reason, any part of your costume in public. No
one should see you getting into or out of your costume. Never, ever, take your head off
in public!

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Handler Guidelines
The handler, along with Scout, represent the Idaho State Parks and Recreation department. The handler is
Scouts guide, guardian, and protector. Because Scout cannot see well once inside the costume, the handler
will be the eyes, ears, and voice of the person inside. This is especially important, because the person wear-
ing the costume is unable to visibly express frustration or panic.

1. Decide in advance with the person wearing the Scout uniform what your distress signal will be.

2. Hand out stickers, color sheets, and flyers to guests (when appropriate) and direct them to areas where
they may get more information about Idaho parks.

3. It is up to the handler to keep track of the time that Scout spends in the costume. Scout should be in
costume no longer than 20 minutes. Overheating and fatigue occurs quickly past this point.

4. The handler should encourage guests to interact with Scout. When referring to Scout, use the name
and not the gender (i.e. And now, Scout will do the sprinkler dance for you!)

5. Scout should take the handlers elbow when being led. Determine ahead of time which side is pre-
ferred, and stick to it. This will help to ensure that Scout always knows where to always find his handler.

6. Make sure to warn Scout of any obstacles that might be in his way. Be aware that stairs are hard to
climb.

7. Since Scouts visibility is impeded, alert Scout when children are approaching and from which direction
they are coming. It is also helpful to tell Scout in which direction he should look and wave.

8. DO NOT LEAVE SCOUTS SIDE! Standing slightly to the front and side of Scout will make the handler
more visible.

9. Check in frequently with Scout. Scout can easily respond with a thumbs-up or a nod with questions
such as Hey Scout? Hows it going? or Do you need to sit down?

10. If Scout is getting tired but not so much that he needs to get out of the costume, sitting on a bench is a
good option.

11. If Scout is under duress for any reason, the handler should tell the audience that Scout has got to go for
now, and to say good-bye.

12. Be aware that dogs may become frightened or aggressive around Scout.

13. Stay friendly and calm; never appear anxious about Scout in public. If there are guests who are being
rude and inconsiderate, handle it with respect and politeness toward the offending individual, keeping
Scouts well-being a priority.

14. Protect the integrity of Scout. Make sure children (and adults) are being respectful.

15. If at a state park, encourage guests to come and visit again. If at another venue, encourage guests to
visit the state parks.

16. The handler is responsible for helping to dress and undress Scout, and to properly pack away the uni-
form. 11
Scout will be around children, who naturally ask lots of good questions. Because Scout can only nod or
shake his head, it will be the handlers responsibility to answer these questions if Scout is unable to. Here
are some common questions with answers you may provide:

Possible Questions for Scout

1. Do you know Smokey the Bear? (Scout nods)

2. If you are a fox, then why do you walk on two legs? (Scout jumps and dances around and handler tells
them it is so he can jump and dance around)

3. Why are your eyes so big? (Scout cups hands to the sides of his eyes, handler can say so he can see our
beautiful parks better)

4. Why did you want to be a park ranger? (Scout can cross hands over his chest and handler can say its
because he knows rangers help the parks, people and animals)

5. What does the fox say? (Scout dances around and does something silly)

6. Can you talk? (Scout shakes his head no)

7. Are you a boy or girl? (Scout can point to nametagkids should infer that Scout is a boy)

8. Why do you wear human clothes? Youre a fox! (Handler can say hes a ranger helper too!)

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Cleaning, Maintenance and Responsibilities
Regular cleaning and maintenance has the benefit of extending the life of the mascot uniform. Major clean-
ing and repairs should be conducted by the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department or conducted by a pro-
fessional cleaning service before and after Scout appearances. Some minor cleaning and maintenance
should be performed by renters of the Scout mascot costume in order to ensure the costume remain in its
original state. Please see the quick reference guide for a description of those responsibilities.

CARE CONDUCTED BY IDAHO PARKS AND RECREATION EMPLOYEES ONLY:

Minor cleaning
Minor cleaning jobs include: brushing, spot removal of minor stains and soiling from the mascots fur and
outer clothing; removal of matting from the mascot fur; removal of smudges from clothing and headpieces,
and removing debris from feet and hands.

Spot Cleaning
The first step in removing minor stains and soiling is to apply diluted liquid detergent to the affected ar-
ea. Use a light brush (do NOT use steel brushes, as these will destroy the fur and material) to rub the area
until the stain is gone. If some dirt or residue remains, try to remove with a well rinsed, clean, wet cloth. If
stains or soiling persists, spray affected area with stain remover and spot clean. WARNING: before applying
the stain remover, test it on a small, obscure part of the costume to ensure it will not cause damage.

All costume pieces must be left to air dry.

Scouts Clothing
Although it is highly recommended to use a professional cleaning service, all of Scouts clothing (shirt,
shorts, pants, and gloves) including the inner body padding, outer body suit, chinstrap and shoe liners are
machine washable in cold water. Items need to hang to air dry. DO NOT place items in a dryer.

Fur Matting
To remove matting from the fur, brush the affected area with a light hair brush (do NOT use a metal brush),
one small section at a time. Then give the entire costume a light brushing to improve the furs overall ap-
pearance.

Odor
In an effort to reduce body odor between professional cleanings, turn Scouts body suit inside out and allow
the suit to dry completely before storing or wearing the costume. Do NOT use Febreeze or another type of
freshening fabric spray. This could damage the costume fabric.

It is highly recommended that the costume be allowed to air out after each performance. The head should
be wiped out with a clean cloth to remove excess perspiration.

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Repairs
Minor repairs will be performed at the discretion of Idaho Parks and Recreation staff only. Minor repairs
include: loose threads, small fabric tears, worn Velcro, matted fur. For major repairs, please contact BAM!
Mascots at 1-877-858-4226.

Emergency Costume Repair

ONLY in the event of an emergency where the costume is on site for an event and considerable damage
has occurred to any part of the Scout costume, repairs may be permitted. However, the renter MUST con-
tact the Idaho Parks and Recreation department and speak with an employee before taking action to repair
the costume. Permission must be given by the Idaho Parks and Recreation employee.

Emergency Repairs include: tail detachment, Velcro ripped from costume so that items do not attach, no-
ticeable seam tears on costume or clothing.

IMMEDIATELY call the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department at 208-555-PARK

The cleaning log document is found in the appendix.

Mascot Rental Agreement

The rental agreement should be provided in advance to the renter for their review. It is required that the
wearer of the costume be less than 6 feet tall. If the renter agrees to the terms outlined, the agreement
must be signed and returned to the Idaho Parks and Recreation department no later than 48 hours before
shipment of the mascot costume. A paper copy or electronic version of the agreement is acceptable. The
agreement is to be stored at the Idaho Parks and Recreation department.

The rental agreement document is found in the appendix.

Damage Report
The damage report document is to be completed by an Idaho Parks and Recreation employee prior to the
shipment of the mascot costume. A copy of the report MUST be provided to the renter to ensure mutual
understanding of the condition of the costume.

Upon return of the mascot costume, an Idaho Parks and Recreation employee will assess the costume for
damage. Use the rental inspection document that was completed prior to shipment to compare the condi-
tion of the mascot costume when it arrives at the Idaho Park and Recreation department. Indicate damage
on the mascot picture and initial.

Normal wear and tear is expected. If irreparable damage is found upon the return of the costume, the Ida-
ho Parks and Recreation employee will refer to the rental agreement to assess if repair and the costs associ-
ated with repair are the responsibility of the renter.

The mascot rental inspection document is found in the appendix.

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Appendix

1. Cleaning Log Document

2. Rental Agreement Document
3. Damage Report Document
4. Color Activity Sheet and Fox Informational Document

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Cleaning Log

Date Cleaned By Cleaning- Action Taken Repairs-Action Taken

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Mascot Rental Agreement Scout
PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY

Rental Start Date:________________________ Rental Due Date:_____________________________

RENTER INFORMATION

Contact Name:___________________________________________________________________________________

Phone:_____________________________________________ Second Number:______________________________

Agency/Company Name:_______________________________________ Email:______________________________

MASCOT RENTAL POLICIES

FEES (Damage and Lost Costume Fees)
There is no fee to rent the Scout Mascot costume. Normal wear and tear on the mascot costume is expected and
will not incur extra charges. However, damage beyond normal wear and tear will incur damage charges.
Damage charges will be assessed for broken zippers, detached garment pieces, make-up or other permanent
stains or damage that renders the mascot costume not rentable.
Damage fees include the cost of the supplies needed to restore the costume to its original state as well as la-
bor costs.
Major damage to the costume, including irreparable tears, and major seam damage, will be assessed at the
replacement value of the costume (up to $10,000).
Lost mascot costume will be assessed a lost costume fee of the replacement value of the costume (up to
$10,000).
CLEANING
All mascot pieces must be returned clean and free of stains and body odor. Everything returned will be assessed
and an additional cleaning fee will be charged if required.
ALTERATIONS
Under NO circumstance may the mascot costume and pieces be altered to fit and must be returned in their origi-
nal condition. If a mascot piece is returned altered or damaged, fees will be charged. No mascot piece may be
cut, dyed, painted or altered. Tape, glue or any other type of adhesives may NOT be used on the mascot.
DISCLAIMER
Idaho Parks and Recreation and its employees are not responsible for accidents or injuries related or indirectly
related to the use of the rented items.

SIGNATURE________________________________________ DATE_______________________________

Agreement must be returned to Idaho Parks and Recreation Department

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Damage Report: Rental Inspection

Rental Start Date:____________________ Rental Due Date:_______________________

Renter Info
Name:____________________________ Company:_____________________________

Mascot Out Mascot In

Date:_____________ Time:__________ Date:_____________ Time:__________

OUT IN OUT IN

Head Shirt
Body (suit) Shorts or Pants
Gloves (2) Pants
Boots/feet (2) Belt
Tail Outer Padding Vest
Name Tag Inner Ice Pack Vest
Damage Description-OUT Damage Description-IN
______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
______________________________________________ ____________________________________________
The costume has been returned and checked. I agree that the
I accept that the costume is in the condition indicated on this damage to the costume is as stated and accept that the cos-
form: tume is in the condition stated on the form.
Signed:____________________________________________ Signed:____________________________________________

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Color Activity and Fox Informational Document

Scout is a Red fox. Red foxes can be found all over North America, including Idaho. Red foxes are a com-
mon animal, but they are rarely seen. They are shy animals. They are nocturnal, which means they sleep
during the day and come out at night to look for food. They live in the woodland habitat. Red foxes have
reddish brown fur, and are about the size of a housecat. They have pointy noses and bushy tails. Foxes are
omnivores, which means they eat meat and plants. They like to eat small rodents, insects, fruits and other
plant foods. They jump very high then pounce down when catching prey. A mother fox usually has four or
five babies at a time. Baby foxes are called kits. Fox families communicate by barking to each other. Each
member of the fox family has its own voice, which can be recognized by the other family members. They
have special barks to warn others of danger. They live in dens when caring for their babies. In the winter,
they curl up in the snow and cover themselves with their large, bushy tail to keep warm. Wouldnt it be
great to see a Red fox in one of Idahos state parks?

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Sources

[1] Cho, K. "The Mascot Acting Technique." (n.d.): n. pag. Web.

<http://joycecho.fancystitchmachine.org/MascotActingBible.pdf>.

[2] Fox: Care and Maintenance. Bam Mascots Inc. Provided In-Class by Idaho Department of Parks
and Recreation

[3] "Professional Mascot Performers Training, Tips & Moves." Mascot Costumes Canada Custom
Mascots Design. N.p., 17 Sept. 2014. Web.
<http://hogtownmascots.com/custom-mascot-services/mascot-training.htm>.

[4] Resource Raccoon Information Sheets. Provided In-Class.

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