FAYETTEVILLE — Tusk II, the live mascot of the Arkansas Razorbacks, died Monday at his home outside of Dardanelle, Ark. Tusk II died of natural causes and was laid to rest Monday afternoon on the Stokes Family farm.
Born Aug. 12, 2002, Tusk II served as the official live mascot of the Razorbacks in football from 2005-09. During his tenure, the Razorback football team posted a record of 35-28. His final appearance as Arkansas’ live mascot came on Saturday at the 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Arkansas defeated East Carolina 20-17 in overtime at Liberty Memorial Stadium in Memphis. In addition to appearing football games, Tusk II made numerous annual appearances at other Razorback sporting events and functions.
II took over for his father Tusk I in 2004. He will be succeeded by his brother Tusk III in the continuation of the live mascot program at the University of Arkansas. Keith and Julie Stokes and their family serve as the caretakers for the University of Arkansas’ live mascots.