Wool E. Bull
Animation by Brittain Peck
Happy New Year, Durham! What better way to kick off the year than by catching up with everyone’s favorite mascot, Wool E. Bull? This hardworking, ever-cheerful cutie is always spreading good vibes, so we thought it was the perfect time to sit down for a chat with the one and only Wool E.
What’s your secret to staying so cheerful all the time—do you have a hidden stash of snacks?
What keeps me cheerful is seeing everyone smile when I’m out in the community or at Bulls games... and, yes, maybe a secret stash of ice cream in the freezer.
Have you ever accidentally mistaken a fan for a giant stuffed animal and tried to hug them?
I’ve never mistaken a fan for a stuffed animal, but I do love giving fans a great big BULL hug every now and then. I mean, who doesn’t love a good hug?
What’s harder: dodging a matador or hyping up a stadium full of fans?
I’ve never met a matador (and let’s keep it that way!), but hyping up Bulls fans is super easy. Bulls fans are the best in the world! They love cheering for the team—and, of course, coming to see ME!
If you could trade places with any other mascot for a day, who would it be and why?
Why would I trade places? I’ve already got the greatest fans right here in the Triangle! But if I had to, I’d pick the Phillie Phanatic. He’s an absolute icon in sports mascoting.
Do you ever get tired of all the high-fives, or do you secretly enjoy them?
High-fives, handshakes, and hugs are always welcome! Sometimes my hooves get a little tired, though, so I’ll switch it up with fist bumps.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen someone do while trying to take a picture with you?
Actually, let’s talk about the most interesting thing I’ve ever signed. A kid once brought me his granddad’s prosthetic leg to autograph. Did I sign it? Of course I did—with the granddad’s permission, of course.
Are you a morning bull or a night bull? Or does game day make you a 24/7 kind of beast?
During the season, I’m definitely a night bull because of all the evening games. But in the off-season, I’m more of a morning bull since I’m out at walks, runs, school events, parades, and birthdays. Basically, I’m a 24/7 kind of beast!
Do you ever feel bad for the grass on the field, or is it just part of the job?
I try to stay off the grass because our groundskeeper is very particular about keeping it game-ready. But he does let me snack on the clippings, so yeah... I do feel a little bad for the grass—it becomes a late-night snack!
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