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GLENDALE, Ariz. – A conversation that began when Howler, the Phoenix Coyotes mascot, approached a young fan is becoming generally uncomfortable entering its fourth minute, according to parents and nearby spectators.

Howler came up to young Tyler Carlock with friendly greetings and an exaggerated high-five, but to the surprise of Carlock’s parents and those seated around the family, the fluffy ice hockey mascot continued to engage the eight-year-old and his parents in conversation.

“Don’t [mascots] usually just say ‘hi’ and get a picture taken or something?” said Jason Carlock, Tyler’s father, who is considering mentioning to Howler how the many other fans at Jobing.com Arena would probably love to meet him. “Maybe if I say something like, ‘We hate to take so much of your time, Howler’ he will get the point.”

Howler ran out of light banter just two minutes into the conversation but managed to keep the mood fun through the three-minute mark by pretending to be eating the young Carlock’s head and stealing another spectator’s pretzel.

“Maybe I should call that mascot up here,” said John Reeter, row L spectator, pondering whether to assist the uneasy Carlock family. “I just looks so painful down there, but I don’t want that thing up here talking to me forever.”

As the uncomfortable exchange nears its fifth minute, the faux coyote is currently standing silently in front of the Carlock family with wide eyes and mouth agape, awaiting a response regarding what their plans are later this evening.