ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – As fans cheer on the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, Alaska has its own Olympic champion at The Alaska Zoo – the ermine.
Ermines usually weigh two to six ounces. They can take down a rabbit, and they represent the 2026 Winter Olympics Official Mascot.
Jens Luraas Oftebro, of Norway, stands on the podium holding the Games mascot Tina after winning the gold medal in the nordic combined individual Gundersen large hill/10km at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
Fans cheer with the mascot prior to the team pursuit speedskating races at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)(Luca Bruno | AP)
Meet Milli and Noob Noob — two ermines at the Alaska Zoo who are serving as Alaska’s unofficial mascots for this Olympics.
The Alaska Zoo has a history of Olympic champions, with polar bears competing in diving at the Summer Olympics. But this year’s mascot is considerably smaller than a polar bear.
Despite their tiny size, ermines have incisors that can kill. These small carnivores are native to Alaska.
Annie Snow, a zookeeper at The Alaska Zoo said the two ermines couldn’t be more different in personality.
“When they’re out, they love to run around, explore. They have a ton of little hidey holes in here because they love to tunnel and burrow,” Snow said.
“Milli’s definitely the more outgoing, rambunctious. She’s very spicy. She’ll, like, definitely vocalize a lot and let me know her feelings.”
Milli proved her curiosity during the Alaska’s News Source visit, coming right up to investigate the camera.
“And then Noob Noob is definitely a lot more sweet and shy. He loves; he loves mice. Those are his favorite,” Snow added.
But don’t let their size fool you. These tiny mammals are fierce hunters. They change color with Alaska’s seasons — white in winter, brown in summer — always deadly.
“They’re super, super speedy, so they can probably, like, sneak up on rabbits. And then they also are just like, yeah, they’re quickness, and they’re tough,” Snow said.
Their secret weapon? Speed and sharp incisors.
Though they’ll make an exception for whipped cream, one of their favorite treats.
Snow says Millie and Noob Noob represent what it takes to be an Olympian.
“It definitely makes sense that they’re part of the Olympics… they’re tough, like you have to be when you’re competing in the Olympics. They’re speedy, which I think you would probably need.” Snow said. “I could definitely watch them forever.”
While the world watches Olympic athletes compete in Italy, Alaska’s fiercest competitors are right here at home.
Fans with the mascot Tina dance at the finish area of an alpine ski, women’s giant slalom race, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)(Andy Wong | AP)
To visit these critters, The Alaska Zoo staff recommend coming earlier in the day, as Millie and Noob Noob are most active between 10 and 11 a.m.
With just a few days left of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Alaska’s own mascots are here year-round and love having visitors.
Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher, of the United States, stand on the podium after winning the silver medal in the cross-country skiing men’s team sprint free at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)(Matthias Schrader | AP)
See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com
Copyright 2026 KTUU. All rights reserved.