CHICAGO, IL-
     Michelin Man, recognized the world over as the long-time pitchman for Michelin brand tires, was attacked and mauled this morning by a pack of feral balloon animals as he walked ajacent to a vacant lot on his way to a sales call on Chicago's South Side.
      In an afternoon press conference, Man's attending physicians said that he had undergone emergency surgery requiring 53 tire patches and that he had lost a "significant volume" of air. 
     Man is listed in critical but stable condition. Doctors noted that while his wounds would not  be life-threatening in a younger advertising icon, Man's advanced age would be a major factor in his recovery.  He is 107.
     Meanwhile, animal control officers are  have launched an intensive search to locate the animals involved in the attack. In accordance with Cook County policy, the animals will be deflated upon capture. 
     Conceived by the Michelin brothers in 1894, Man began his advertising career in 1898 and ranks as one of the world's oldest and most recognized trademarks.