As the world watches athletes compete in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, Alaska has its own spirited representatives right at home, two 3.8-gram ermines at Alaska Zoo who are unofficially representing the state as tiny mascots of the Games.
Milli and Noob Noob, diminutive but fierce carnivores native to Alaska, have captured local attention for their energetic personalities and Olympic “spirit.” Despite weighing less than a nickel, ermines are skilled predators with keen speed and sharp incisors — traits zookeepers say make them a fitting symbol of the determination and agility shown by Olympic athletes.
Zookeeper Annie Snow describes the two ermines as distinctly different in personality: Milli is outgoing and curious, eager to explore her environment, while Noob Noob is quieter and more affectionate, especially when interacting with his favorite treat, mice.
Ermines, also known as short-tailed weasels, change the color of their fur with the seasons — sporting white winter coats that provide camouflage in snowy landscapes. Their small size belies their toughness; Snow notes that ermines’ speed and hunting ability speak to a resilience shared by Olympic competitors.
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Visitors to the Alaska Zoo interested in meeting the tiny mascots are encouraged to stop by earlier in the day when the ermines are most active, typically between 10 and 11 a.m.
While the Olympic spotlight shines on athletes in Europe, Alaska’s tiny ermines are offering a local lens into the spirit of competition and determination, proving that even the smallest creatures can embody Olympic pride.
