Olympic mascot stoat faces risks linked to climate change

The Winter Games mascots are stoats named Tina and Milo, and researchers say stoats are increasingly moulting to a white winter coat before snow arrives, raising predation risk. Olympic organisers have acknowledged the point but have not announced a formal plan to incorporate climate messaging into the mascots' presentation.

The Winter Games mascots are two stoats called Tina and Milo who appear at venues and on merchandise. Scientists and researchers have raised concern because stoats normally change fur from brown to white for winter, but some are turning white before snow arrives. That early moulting can make them more visible to predators. Olympic organisers have described the mascots as symbols of Italian spirit and friendliness, and they have responded to questions about linking the mascots to climate issues. What we know: - The official mascots are two stoats named Tina (white) and Milo (brown), used at venues and on sold-out merchandise. - Stoats normally molt to white for snowy winters, but researchers report some are changing color earlier than snowfall. - Studies and experts cited in the report say a coat that mismatches the environment raises predation risk for stoats. - Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi said the committee should include the topic in its narrative, while the branding lead said climate messaging was not within the organising committee's chosen scope. Summary: The mascot choice has drawn public attention to scientific observations linking seasonal coat changes in stoats to reduced snow and higher predation risk. Organisers have acknowledged the point but have not set out a specific outreach or educational plan. Undetermined at this time.