PITTSBURGH -- The furries returned to Pittsburgh last week with the Anthrocon 2009 convention.

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RAW VIDEO: Furries Cuddle, Play Ball & Cards In Pittsburgh

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Anthrocon is the largest anthropomorphics convention in the world with a membership of nearly 3,000 in 2007, according to the convention’s Web site, www.anthrocon.org.

"They're animals, but they have human qualities. That's what we call anthroconarctic characters," said John Cole, program director.

Members call themselves “Furries,” and the Anthrocon convention in Pittsburgh brings together thousands of devotees of anthropomorphics from near and far, in a relaxed social atmosphere.

"The city of Pittsburgh has been so warm and welcoming. We really love coming back," said a furball canine from Chicago.

The New York Mets, who were in Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates, got to meet some of the furries up close and personal. The team stayed at the same hotel that is housing the majority of the fuzzy creatures.

Via Twitter, Mets reporter Kevin Burkhardt said, "Our hotel in Pitt is overrun by people dressed up as animals. Anthrocon? And they act as animals. I have seen it all and I am freaked out. I just took a picture with a person who was dressed like Ralph Wigam as a Beaver."

Anthropomorphic or “humanized” animals have been with us since the dawn of civilization, the Web site claims. From the gods of ancient Egypt to the advertising icons of the modern day, people of every culture have created fanciful creatures simply by imbuing animals with human traits, according to the convention's Web site.

All of the finer aspects of anthropomorphic, or more commonly, "Furry" fandom, are celebrated at the convention. Its program of events includes workshops and seminars in acting, costume-building, animation, writing, art and design, and more. It also hosts an extensive art show where the best in anthropomorphic artwork is offered for sale.

The convention ran from July 2 to July 5 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Last year, more than 3,300 attended the convention in Pittsburgh. They represented 20 countries. The biggest age group is people ages 20 to 24.