Did you know that the world's smallest carnivore might be living in your backyard? The Lilliputian Least Weasel mustiela rixosa is the smallest living carnivore and a native to the southern Appalachians. Only about six inches long and one and a half ounces in weight, it is easy to see how they earned the "Least" part of their name.

On first observation you may find it hard to believe they belong to the same family as the Long-tailed Weasel, Mink, Otter, and Skunk, all of which also range into Western North Carolina. Rare throughout it's range, which extends up into the Arctic Circle, the Least Weasel is not protected federally or by North Carolina. Apparently, their small size and secretive nature has made it difficult for biologists to agree on a population census to determine their status.

Just as the wildlife biologists have a hard time observing the wily Least Weasel, you may never see one even though they may inhabit a pasture or meadow out your back door. BUT FRET NOT! You can come meet "Lester" the Least Weasel at the Nature Center. After an unfortunate accident with a car at a busy intersection in Leicester (pronounced Lester by locals), Lester is now neighbors with the Eastern Kingsnake and soon to arrive Bog Turtle.

Upon observing Lester's fidgety and hyperactive movement, you will probably conclude he has a high metabolism and you would be right! For a small animal the Least Weasel has to eat a lot. We feed Lester three times a day. In the wild, they eat small rodents, which they kill with a very efficient bite to the base of the skull. Due to their voracious appetite, the Least Weasel will often kill more than it can eat and hide the kill nearby in case of "leaner times." The Least Weasel's contribution to rodent control makes them very beneficial to man. Contrary to local lore, they do not raid chicken houses or suck blood like vampires.

On your way to visit the new Cougar and Bobcat habitat, don't forget to stop by and marvel at some of the smaller wonders of our rich natural heritage - it's the LEAST you could do!