video transcript

When Adrian Diaz goes out in public, he prefers to take on a different persona. Before leaving his home in Monterrey, Mexico, he puts on his fox head and tail and becomes - a furry. Furries are people who wear mascot or animal costumes, but exhibit human behavior. He's one of 86 furries in his city, but thousands participate across the globe - a movement which has grown so large, it even has its own convention. But Diaz says not everyone accepts his lifestyle. (SOUNDBITE) Adrian Diaz, furry, saying Spanish): "Here in Mexico, when people don't understand things, it bothers them. If something is strange or different, people begin to bother you or make fun of you, because it's something that isn't common in everyday life. There are many people that accept it and think it's fun, but the majority don't accept it very much." Cesar Clemente said putting on his costume helps him to be more outgoing and friendly. Most furry followers say their hobby is light-hearted way of interacting with other fans, who role play at meetups and online forums. Kilmeny Duchardt, Reuters.