Though they be but little, they are fierce! The least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is the smallest species of true carnivore, coming from the order Carnivora. They are found across North America, Europe, and Asia, primarily in grasslands, pastures, and shrubby areas.
Least weasels have a long, slender body. In summer, they have a rich brown upper body and a white underside. In winter, they can be brown or all white. They lack the distinctive black tail tip of other Iowa weasels, which can be an excellent identifying feature when comparing the least weasel to other small weasels we have in Iowa. The males, which are generally bigger than the females, range from eight to nine inches long and weigh about two ounces. They are so small that they can fit into holes less than an inch in diameter.
To keep going, the least weasel must eat roughly 40 to 60 percentof its body weight every day. However, its sharp teeth and claws mean these weasels can take down animals larger than themselves. Least weasels are known to kill even more prey than they can consume — stockpiling it nearby and frequently leaving it to rot in preference to fresh meat. They primarily eat mice, but will also eat voles, insects, birds, and bird eggs. The least weasel plays an important role in reducing the rodent population, which benefits nearby agricultural fields.
Although they are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN and are judged to be secure in the nation by the U.S. federal government, they are considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Iowa’s Wildlife Action Plan. This was determined based on the rarity of the species, the population trends, and the threats to the species. For more information on how species were selected as a SGCN, readIowa’s Wildlife Action Plan.
Did you know?
Because of its diminutive size and ferocious nature, the least weasel plays an important role in mythology; it is the only animal capable of killing the basilisk.
To learn more about the mammals of Iowa, download or buy the Mammals of Iowa Field Guide.
FAQs
While it can still be common in specific locales in northern Iowa, for the most part, the least weasel is now pretty rare in Iowa. This Iowa native is the world's smallest carnivore, measuring at 10 inches and under. It lives at the edges of woodlands, or in thickets or brushy fencerows near water.
Which is the smallest carnivore? ›
The least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is the smallest species of true carnivore, coming from the order Carnivora. They are found across North America, Europe, and Asia, primarily in grasslands, pastures, and shrubby areas. Least weasels have a long, slender body.
What small critters are in Iowa? ›
Iowa's native rodents include the eastern chipmunk, white-footed mouse, eastern squirrel and deer mouse. Its small mammals include the northern short-tailed shrew and the prairie vole. The state has nine bat species, including the little brown bat, which is one of the rarest bat species in the U.S.
What is the smallest meat eater? ›
Did you know Britain's weasel (the least weasel) is the smallest carnivore in the world? Britain's tiniest carnivore is also the world's smallest member of the mammalian Carnivora order.
What are the carnivores in Iowa? ›
Coyotes are native in Iowa and they are the largest predator in the state. They belong to the group of canines, live in packs, and eat a great variety of food: fruit, grass, insects, rabbit, mice, deer, also trash, and pet food.
What are the small carnivores? ›
Mustelidae (weasels, badgers, and their allies, except the otters – see below) Nandiniidae (African Palm-civet) Prionodontidae (linsangs) Procyonidae (coatis, raccoons and their allies) Viverridae (civets and genets, including the oyans or 'African linsangs')
Are there weasels in Iowa? ›
While it can still be common in specific locales in northern Iowa, for the most part, the least weasel is now pretty rare in Iowa. This Iowa native is the world's smallest carnivore, measuring at 10 inches and under.
Are there wolves in Iowa? ›
The Great Lakes wolf population in Minnesota and Wisconsin lives closest to Iowa, although the state only sees from one to five wolves pass through over the last five years, the state agency said in a news release. Iowa does not have a breeding population of wolves, the department said in a news release.
What is the predator in Iowa? ›
Coyotes are members of the Canis family, like all domesticated dogs. Also, as it turns out, the coyote is Iowa's number one predator.
What dish is Iowa known for? ›
Iowa is known for Sour Cream Raisin Pie, Iowa Ham Balls, Scotcheroos, Maid Rite sandwiches, Steak de Burgo, taco pizza, snickers salad, and corn, lots of corn. It's also the leading producer of pork in the U.S.A.
Hesperonychus elizabethae is a tiny carnivorous dinosaur; in fact, it's the smallest carnivorous dinosaur known from North America, and the smallest dinosaur of any sort known from the Cretaceous of North America.
How much does the smallest carnivore weigh? ›
Imagine an animal as aggressive as a badger but the size of a chipmunk and you've got yourself a least weasel! Weighing in at an average of just under two ounces, this energetic little carnivore consumes as much as half its body weight in small rodents every night. Skull of the Long-tailed Weasel.
What is the tiniest dinosaur? ›
It was about the size of a bee hummingbird, making it the smallest dinosaur discovered yet. The findings were published today in Nature. Close up of Oculudentavis in Amber, finger shown for scale. The new species is named Oculudentavis or "eye-tooth-bird” for its weird features—large eyes and lots of teeth.
How common are badgers in Iowa? ›
Most of us will never see a live badger since they aren't very common in Iowa. BUT...if you see a badger while outdoors, give it a wide berth. Badgers are tough.
Are there minks in Iowa? ›
Mink can be found in most of the United States and Canada, excluding Hawaii, Arizona and parts of several other western states. In Iowa, it makes its home near most any marsh or river, including even the tiniest meandering creeks.
What livestock is Iowa known for? ›
Take a drive around the state and you'll see their handiwork out every window. Fields of corn, soybeans, and alfalfa wave in the wind. The barns and buildings you see dotting the countryside are used to care for a animals including cattle, hogs, turkeys, sheep, dairy cows, meat goats, and poultry.
What is the smallest carnivore in Africa? ›
True to its name, the dwarf mongoose is the smallest mongoose. In fact, it is the smallest African carnivore. It is an extremely social and territorial animal, living in packs with as many as 32 mongooses.
Which carnivore is the biggest? ›
What is the smallest herbivore? ›
An adult can eat up to 300 lbs. (136 kg) of vegetation, including fruit, roots, grasses and bark in a single day. The world's smallest herbivore may be the featherwing beetle. It measures just 0.0127 inches (0.325 millimeters) according to Discovery.
Least weasels have a long, slender body. In summer, they have a rich brown upper body and a white underside. In winter, they can be brown or all white. They lack the distinctive black tail tip of other Iowa weasels, which can be an excellent identifying feature when comparing the least weasel to other small weasels we have in Iowa. The males, which are generally bigger than the females, range from eight to nine inches long and weigh about two ounces. They are so small that they can fit into holes less than an inch in diameter.