The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have slammed Nintendo for resurrecting Super Mario Bros. 3′s Tanooki Suit in the recently released Super Mario Land 3D. PETA alleges, “Tanukis are real-life raccoon dogs who are beaten and, as PETA’s undercover exposés show, often skinned alive for their fur,” and goes on to say, ”Tanooki may be just a “suit” in Mario games, but by wearing the skin of an animal, Mario is sending the message that it’s OK to wear fur.” [1]

If it’s true that these animals are skinned alive, it’s a horrible practice that should be stopped if possible. But, seriously, no Mario-adoring child is going to grow up to wear fur simply because