Winter Olympics Mascots Reshape Stoat’s Fearsome Image

MILAN (Azat TV) – The small, fierce stoat, long known as a formidable predator and historically viewed with suspicion, is now finding its image transformed on the global stage. Tina and Milo, the sibling mascots for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, have brought the mustelid species into the spotlight, offering a charming counterpoint to its wild reputation.

These grinning, plushie versions of the animal, known as “ermellini” in Italian, have become coveted Olympic merchandise. Tina, with her cream-colored fur, has developed an affinity for curling, while the brown-coated Milo, whose official biography notes he was born missing one paw, is known for playing practical jokes. Their widespread visibility is prompting a fresh look at the animal often referred to as a stoat, ermine, or short-tailed weasel.

The Stoat’s Surprising Olympic Role

The decision to feature stoats as mascots has drawn attention to a creature often misunderstood. Tina and Milo have been seen interacting with celebrities like Snoop Dogg and cheering on athletes, quickly becoming symbols of the Games. This unexpected role contrasts sharply with the animal’s natural ferocity and its complex history in human culture.

Wildlife geneticist and ecologist Andrew Veale described stoats as ‘the greatest athletes of the animal world,’ suggesting their agility and intensity make them fitting symbols for the Winter Olympics. However, he noted that the mascots, while endearing, do not fully capture the ‘majesty and athleticism’ of the actual animals.

Beyond the Plushie: A Predator’s Prowess

Despite their adorable mascot depictions, stoats are small but highly effective predators. Measuring six to twelve inches long, these mustelids are found across Europe, Asia, and North America, including the Italian Alps. They are characterized by their brown coats, which in some subspecies turn white in winter, and a distinctive short, black-tipped tail.

Stoats belong to the famously fierce mustelid family, which includes otters, ferrets, and wolverines. Andrew Veale, who has mapped the stoat genome, confirms their intelligence and voracious appetite, noting they can take down prey six times their size. They are also excellent swimmers, a trait that contributed to their destructive impact on New Zealand’s native bird species after being introduced there in a misguided attempt to control rabbits, as they could reach offshore islands.

A Complicated History and Identity

The stoat’s natural prowess has not always endeared it to humans. Historically, stoats have been viewed as vicious or even uncanny. The Oxford English Dictionary includes a figurative definition of “stoat” as a ‘treacherous fellow’ or a ‘sexually aggressive man.’ Celtic mythology depicted them as prone to mischief and thieving, with tales even suggesting they could poison people.

Humans have also hunted stoats for centuries, particularly for their white winter fur, known as ‘ermine.’ This prized fur adorned European monarchs and aristocrats, symbolizing power and status. The ceremonial robes for the UK’s House of Lords feature ermine trim, and King Charles III wore a traditional red and ermine robe at his coronation, with each black speckle on the white fur representing the tail of a single stoat.

Adding to the complexity is the animal’s nomenclature. Until recently, ‘stoat,’ ‘ermine,’ and ‘weasel’ were often used interchangeably. ‘Stoat’ typically refers to the animal in its brown summer coat, while ‘ermine’ is used for its white winter coat or the animal itself. However, a 2021 study revealed that American and European stoats are distinct enough to be considered separate species, and the Haida ermine is also now recognized as its own species, further refining the mustelid family tree.

Redefining a Reputation

With Tina and Milo leading the charge, the stoat’s long-standing, often negative, reputation appears to be shifting. Athletes like Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamoto and freestyle skier Eileen Gu have openly embraced the mascots, signaling a more affectionate public perception. The mascots’ widespread appeal at the 2026 Winter Olympics is helping to reframe the stoat from a feared, mischievous creature into a symbol of athletic spirit and cheer.

The prominence of Tina and Milo at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics marks a significant cultural moment, leveraging a global event to redefine public understanding and appreciation for a species historically viewed through a lens of fear and utility, thereby demonstrating the power of representation in shaping perception.