'''Fuzzies''' are a species of small, intelligent furry humanoids native to the forested planet of Zarathustra. They are non-aggressive and live in tribalistic society. While having no distinct name for their kind prior to humanity colonizing their homeworld, they happily accepted the term "fuzzy" to distinguish themselves from the "big ones”.

The humans were hesitant to recognize Fuzzies as people, for they would become the planet’s legal owners and control its resources. The company that colonized Zarathustra attempted to argue that Fuzzies were not sapient and advocated to massacre them in an effort to resolve the issue.

Humans eventually discover that the Fuzzies have a genetic disorder that causes their offspring to be either stillborn or malformed due to a dietary deficiency. The sympathetic humans help provide dietary supplements and also offer classes in practical skills like bow-making, archery, and cooking. There is also talk of inviting Fuzzies to attend human schools, as they have an appreciation of learning human culture and customs.

*Little Fuzzy (1962)

*The Fuzzies are believed to have been a partial inspiration for the Ewoks in ''Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi'', which debuted just over twenty years later.

*[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Fuzzy Wikipedia]
*[https://aliens.fandom.com/wiki/Gashta?so=search Alien Species wiki]
Category:Literary Characters
Category:Alien Species
Category:Miniature Characters
Category:H. Beam Piper - Creator
Category:1962 Debuts
Category:Sci-Fi Creatures
Category:Avon Characters
Category:Extra-terrestrial Characters