Video: Tiny, Furry 'Crime-Fighter' Hops into Alaska Police Cruiser
By Sara Schilling
Source The Charlotte Observer
The Anchorage Police Department is turning to the public for help naming a potential new “crime-fighter” — an ermine that found its way into a police vehicle.
Officers shared a video clip in Jan. 29 social media posts of the “pint-sized” predator — also called a stoat or short-tailed weasel — exploring a police vehicle.
The long-bodied creature can be seen sniffing and slinking around the headrests.
“This little crime-fighter hopped into the car for a ride-along and might be earning his own badge!” police wrote in the posts on Facebook and Instagram. “We’ve made an offer, but we’re still negotiating terms — mostly about how many snack breaks are acceptable.”
Police solicited names from the public, and suggestions came flooding in.
On Instagram, Furlock Holmes was a top like-getter.
Other commenters suggested The Erminator, Rambo and Ferretta.
On Facebook, Sgt. Squeazel, Warrant, Bandit, Sergeant Adorable, Miss D’meanor and Detective Ernie Flash of the Snack Enforcement Task Force were among those put forth.
Some options seemed Hollywood-inspired, such as Detective Weasley Snipes and Ermionie.
Puns also came into play. One Facebook commenter suggested the name Rights, so “you can ask everyone if they know your rights,” while another suggested the name Badge, because “then you can say you always have your badge on you.”
The Homer Police Department even got in on the name game, suggesting Hank.
Ermines are found throughout Alaska. They’re known for changing colors with the seasons and for sometimes going after prey twice their size, according to the Alaska Wildlife Alliance.
They typically weigh less than a pound, the alliance said.
As for the Anchorage police ermine, a Facebook commenter wrote, “do not take that baby to jail.”
“We would never! We are in negotiations for this little one to be part of the team,” police replied, adding that “he is really adamant about 100 snack breaks, though.”
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