Why furry cons mascots are so excesively cute?

This cute fella is Andy , mascot of Anthro NorthWest. (http://www.anthronw.com/2018/)

If you see this picture by me on a sign, that means the room or activity is for the special youth track.
And yes, of course you'll see this panda at that con, in Seattle, WA!! It will be my first time on that part of the States. New lands to unlock.