Some elementary school kids in this country grow up as Tater Tots, and high school mascot fans in Washington can tell you many of them will grow up to become Spudders. Over the past few months ...

(AP Photo/Terrance Williams) The Washington Capitals mascot celebrates after left wing Alex Ovechkin, not pictured, scores ...

Fans navigating the dozens of schools in the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments might become as attached to the mascots as the athletes themselves. Furry, animated characters used ...