[2] Outside the sports arenas, the bears were occasionally subject to kidnappings, publicity hoaxes, and animal rights protests.

These included the Hamm's Beer Bear, Domino's Pizza's Noid, and at one point, Ronald McDonald.

[8] The person behind the mask is typically chosen by the university athletics' Assistant Marketing Director, in an auditioning process informally known as Monte Idol.

[9] Most notable of the costume-wearers was Barry Anderson, who wore the Monte suit for five years in the 2000s and went on to work for the Chicago Bulls' mascot team.

[11] Peripheral vision was still compromised, and Monte could occasionally be seen tripping over bleachers and small children during the first few games.

A marked departure from previous mascots, Monte is considerably acrobatic, doing flips and cartwheels to celebrate favorable gameplay.

He frequently interacts with children, something previous mascots were unable to do because of their bulky costume or frightening appearance.

The university has used Monte to spread school spirit at birthday parties, weddings, corporate functions, and even funerals.

In 2008, he starred in the children's book "The Great Monte Mystery," written by university alum Jennifer Newbold.