The official mascots for the 2026 Winter Olympics have stirred a mix of curiosity and confusion among the public. Many initially speculated that the mascots were inspired by foxes or cats, but they are, in fact, stoats named Milo and Tina, after the host cities Milano and Cortina in Italy.
Stoats, known as short-tailed weasels or ermines in winter in the U.S., are native to the Dolomites where the Olympic Nordic and Alpine events will take place. In New Hampshire, the winter variation of the stoat is often referred to as the “White Mountain ermine.”
These creatures, scientifically known as Mustela erminea, are widespread across New Hampshire, found typically near barns, stone walls, and chicken coops. Despite their presence, stoats are rarely sighted due to their elusive and shy nature. They exhibit a fascinating adaptation known as “mimetic” biology, which allows them to change their coat color with the seasons for effective camouflage.
Olympic mascot Tina embodies the stoat’s winter white coat, a stark contrast to Milo’s brown coloration, representing their appearance during the rest of the year. Significantly, Milo also symbolizes the Paralympic Games as he is depicted with a missing leg.
Stoats undergo a molting process that changes their fur color from brown to white in late autumn, triggered by hormonal changes due to shorter daylight hours, rather than temperature. This transition takes about three weeks and often yields a patchy appearance before becoming a brilliant white. As days begin to lengthen, the cycle reverses, restoring their brown hue.
Renowned for their agility and hunting prowess, stoats are small yet fierce carnivores, capable of pursuing prey that can weigh significantly more than themselves, like snowshoe hares and woodchucks. Their daily dietary needs require them to consume about one-third of their body weight, leading to an energetic hunting style that can cover considerable distances at impressive speeds.
The denser winter fur of the stoat is not only essential for warmth but has historically been valued in luxury fashion and royal garments. While their main predators include foxes and raptors, stoats face an even greater threat from habitat disruption caused by human development.
Milo and Tina, the Olympic mascots, are a testament to resilience, embodying qualities of adaptation to harsh habitats like those of mountainous regions. Olympic officials highlight the symbolic value behind the dual colors of the mascots, emphasizing the importance of protecting and enhancing the mountain environment throughout the year, not just in winter.
In a world increasingly marked by challenges to wildlife due to climate and human activities, the presence of Milo and Tina serves as a reminder of the resilience inherent in nature and the interconnectedness of ecosystems.