Cubs' New Mascot Clark 'Strangles' WBBM-TV Reporter Mike Puccinelli
By John Dodge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Sometimes people forget that cute, furry mascots are real animals, and one must remember to never EVER poke a bear.
CBS 2 reporter Mike Puccinelli learned this lesson the hard way, but thankfully he lived to tell about it.
It turns out, the Cubs' new mascot "Clark" is very protective of his owner, Tom Ricketts.
While it couldn't be confirmed, it appears Clark may have gotten upset with one of Puccinelli's hard-hitting question to Ricketts during a live interview on the CBS 2 morning newscast.
Mascots don't talk, so we will never know.
When Puccinelli asked Ricketts if he was "excited about the season," Clark went berserk.
Clark first used his oversized noggin to head-butt Puccinelli, temporarily stunning the veteran reporter, who is often confused for Clark Kent.
Then Clark literally went for the jugular, grabbing Puccinelli by the throat.
Fortunately, Ricketts once traveled with a circus during a summer break in college, and he was able to use his bear safety training to calm Clark.
When Clark was introduced as the official mascot in January, the furry little fella was described as a "young, friendly Cub" who wears a baseball cap backward and will greet fans as they enter Wrigley Field.
He also is apparently Ricketts' muscle man.
After the incident, Puccinelli agreed to stick to easier questions.
Chicago detectives are investigating, but charges are unlikely.