Seattle Kraken mascot Buoy avoided getting caught when a bear interrupted a fishing excursion in Alaska this summer.
But the viral video caught the attention of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The animal rights group sent a letter about fishing to Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke.
‘Buoy has wisely advised fans on Instagram to ‘always respect wildlife in their natural habitat,’ but fishing sends the opposite message — one that says it’s OK to injure or kill animals,’ PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk wrote. ‘A recent study shows that fish gasp and endure intense pain for over 20 minutes after being taken out of water — and even when they’re tossed back, they have been mutilated.
‘In fact, fish who are released after they’re hooked often die slowly from their injuries and the trauma of being handled. Imagine having a hook through your mouth, then having it yanked out, and being released. Hardly harmless.’
Buoy, a troll, and Kraken forward John Hayden were on a fly fishing outing near Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park as part of the team’s annual partnership trip with the Bristol Bay Native Corp. A bear appeared on the shoreline and began approaching, causing everyone to scatter. The bear charged toward the mascot but turned around.
In addition to the viral video, Buoy posted a picture of a fish that was caught on the trip.
‘Just as a grizzly bear decided to keep Buoy off his plate that day in Alaska, we hope your team will keep fish and other animals off theirs,’ Newkirk wrote. ‘Thank you for your consideration.’