It's official: New Orleans produces the most terrifying mascots in the world.
The New Orleans Pelicans now play host to not one, but two mascots that are pure nightmare fuel. Prepare yourself to meet King Cake Baby, and never, ever sleep soundly again.
I mean, I just have no words. None. #KingCakeBaby pic.twitter.com/XImGbskCNP
— WWL-TV Sports (@wwltvsports) February 25, 2014
Kami Mattioli of Sporting News explains that the mascot — a semi-regular sight around N'awlins — is a reference to King Cake, a ring-shaped doughy cake that's popular at New Orleans Mardi Gras.
Traditionally, the baker will hide a plastic baby inside the cake and whoever finds it in their slice will either receive good luck, get pregnant, or bake next year's cake. Or, you know, bear witness to this Lovecraftian horror.
it's SCARY KING CAKE BABY time!!! #TakeFlight #Pels pic.twitter.com/ONvKGf7xc7
— ! Party Gras ! (@CarolNChalmette) February 25, 2014
I think "It" is staring at me.... pic.twitter.com/GPloFf4t4e
— WWL-TV Sports (@wwltvsports) February 25, 2014
King Cake Baby is the scariest mascot you'll find at a Pelicans home game, but it's a closer call than you'd think — the team's other mascot, Pierre The Pelican, has developed a reputation as a master of terror.
The terror knows no bounds—neither space nor time can contain it. pic.twitter.com/FHl2NYo74y
— Caitlin Kelly (@atotalmonet) October 31, 2013
Fortunately, Pierre has been given a round, Jay Leno-esque jaw in a recent makeover intended to make him look friendlier and more appealing to kids. 
The true terror, of course, comes in the realisation that the original Pierre The Pelican mask is still out there somewhere... watching... waiting...
THE LAST THING YOU SEE BEFORE YOU DIE http://t.co/ZbI1kQqzhd pic.twitter.com/e8Uw8PKCkF
— SB Nation (@sbnation) February 25, 2014
[via Bleacher Report]