The Barrel Cactus sometimes goes by the name “Compass Cactus” because they usually lean in a southerly direction.  They actually grow slower on the side that faces the sun causing the plant to tip slightly towards the south.

Although they are typically short, topping out at 2 to 4 feet, the can reach heights of over 10 feet.  Like most cacti, these are slow growing plants and may only be 3 inches tall when they are 4 years old.  They can live for more than 100 years. 

These hardy plants can survive long periods of drought using the water stored within them. According to “The Great Southwest Nature Factbook” one barrel cactus, which had been removed from the ground, was able to survive 6 years, using only the water stored inside it.

Can you use the water in these cacti as an emergency water source?  Experts say no.  The fluid in most cacti contains bitter alkaloids and other chemicals.  These can cause you to vomit or have diarrhea, neither of which you want to do if you are already dehydrated.

“Wilbur the Wildcat,” the mascot for the University of Arizona’s sports teams made his first appearance in November 1959 during a U of A vs.. Texas game.  Wilbur’s was originally designed to look like a cowboy, wearing a cowboy hat, holster and carrying two guns. In recent years he lost some of the the cowboy image and guns were removed.

Arizona State’s Mascot “Sparky” first appeared in 1948. Sparky was designed by a former Walt Disney illustrator.  According to some sources, Sparky’s face was drawn to resemble Walt Disney, who had fired the illustrator.