What Are Furries?

Furries are fans of anthropomorphic animals. An anthropomorphic animal is an animal with human-like characteristics. This includes many classic cartoon and comic book characters, such as Donald Duck, the Moomin, and Sweden's very own Bamse. Anthropomorphic animals are a part of our everyday lives, and they have been a part of human culture for thousands of years from the Egyptian god Anubis to werewolves in folklore.

Most furries have a personal species. This is a species they identify with, and which they will use as an avatar to online and in the real world. Some also choose more fantastical creatures as their personal avatars, including dragons and unicorns, or even impossible crossbreeds such as folfs (fox combined with wolf). These become personal characters, often with some added distinguishing characteristics like clothing accessories or fur patterns, and they are usually referred to as their fursona. It is common for furries to get artwork made of their fursonas, and some even get complete costumes made based on these anthropomorphic avatars. These animal costumes are commonly referred to as fursuits.

Over the last few decades, furry has become its own thriving international fandom. Every year there dozens of furry conventions all over the world. At these conventions, furries meet up, create and sell art, dress up and cosplay as their fursonas, dance, and generally have a good time. Often, conventions will collect and donate money to animal-related charities.

For additional information on furries and the furry fandom:

• Wikipedia: Furry fandom
• WikiFur
• Psychology Today – What’s the Deal with "Furries?"
• CNN – Inside the misunderstood culture of furries
• Cracked – 5 Things I Learned Attending A Furry Convention