NFL MASCOT GETS CHARGED BY GRIZZLY BEAR WHILE FILMING PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

Washington state, including Seattle, is renowned for its proximity to the coast and the natural world. Because of this, the organisation's branding was strongly linked to these components when the city acquired the Seattle Kraken, an NHL team, in 2021. Their most notable addition was a mascot named Buoy, a "sea-troll," who combined amusing images of the land and the water. However, despite its beauty, nature can also be frightening, as Buoy recently discovered while filming a promotional video in the tundra of Alaska.

The Seattle Kraken shared a video on Instagram showing the mascot and hockey player John Hayden documenting a fly fishing excursion at Katmai National Park and Preserve. When a grizzly bear appears, the tranquil landscape abruptly changes. The animal initially appears to be merely watching them from the other side of a shallow river before growling. The team was caught off guard by this and hastily sloshed through the water in the other direction. However, the bear began charging at them while they were moving, apparently aiming for Buoy in particular.

Fortunately, the bear quickly withdrew, leaving the team with nothing but a fascinating tale and raised hairs. In retrospect, Hayden says the creature was drawn to Buoy because of his appearance, which included a comical face and an enormous, fur-covered head. "I want to hold Buoy accountable. His entire appearance piqued their interest. The player remarked, "It was a close call, but we got out of it okay." A videographer said to the mascot, "I was scared for you, Buoy, that final little dash."

Similar events occurred in 2023 when a bear pursued a group of photographers in Alaska. Luckily, these were skilled wildlife photographers who knew how to yell and roar at the bear to get him to leave. The firm organising the photography tour, Scenic Bear Viewing, said, "Never run from a charging bear, even though your impulse is to run." This charge is a bluff. All they want is for you to flee. They are naturally inclined to chase.

The Seattle Kraken's collaboration with Bristol Bay Native Corp., which brings the team closer to its Alaskan supporters, including Buoy's near contact. This visit featured an ice skating session with Buoy in a nearby mall and the fishing excursion they were filming. You can follow Buoy on Instagram to keep up with this endearing mascot and his exploits with the Seattle Kraken.