PITTSBURGH -- If you see large, furry creatures walking around the Golden Triangle, you know it must be Anthrocon time again.

The world's largest convention for fictional animals and their kin, known as "furries," is turning heads -- and wagging tails -- for the third straight year in downtown Pittsburgh.

"I like dressing up and looking like my passion," said "Hoof Healer," a visiting furry from Houston. "The horses and everything I do with them -- this is just one way to express this is what I like."
Video: Watch Andrew Stockey's Report

Artists, animators and puppeteers -- and a lot of fun costumes -- will be on display through Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Pittsburgh has become a regular host city for the event every summer because participants say they feel at ease here.

"One of the delis put up paw prints on the sidewalks, and overall, the businesses and the people of the city of Pittsburgh have welcomed us with open arms," said Anthrocon chairman Sam Conway.

Despite the happy atmosphere, there are questions about the furry lifestyle. Rumored sexual behaviors have been portrayed on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and in a memorable comedic scene with the Johnny Drama character on "Entourage" last summer.

"Does it bother me? Yeah, it bothers me," said Conway. "Am I going to do anything about it? There is not really much we can do if they are going to have their misconceptions. The only thing we can do is stand back and say, 'Here we are.'"

City tourism officials estimate that the convention pumps about $2.5 million into Pittsburgh's economy each year.

Another big money-maker for Pittsburgh is the New York Yankees, in town for a three-game series with the Pirates at PNC Park. But New Yorkers don't seem to be caught up in the furry frenzy.

"To tell you the truth, I really didn't notice," Yankees fan Steve Kisala said.

2007 Video: Furries In Pittsburgh
2007 Video: Kelly Frey 'Interviews' Some Furries

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