homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

Weekend


Subscriber content preview

February 13, 2026

The beloved Olympic mascots are color-changing critters that are vulnerable to climate change

By JENNIFER McDERMOTT and BRITTANY PETERSON
Associated Press

Image from Olympics.com [enlarge]
The mascots are meant to welcome people and communicate that these Games are infused with Italian spirit.

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — The pair of animals chosen as mascots of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are stoats — weasel-like creatures that are at risk because of climate change. One of them is brown and the other is white, because in cold climates, the tiny animals' fur changes from brown to white for winter, to blend in with the landscape.


 
. . .


To read this story in full login or purchase a subscription.




Email or user name:
Password:
 
Forgot password? Click here.