Wondering where the weasels are

For years, scientists have been working to find live examples of the least weasel in the Smokies. Despite its diminutive size, this smallest member of the mustelid family and the smallest carnivore in the world has a more forceful bite pound-for-pound than a lion, tiger, or bear. Image by Christoph Moning.

Most visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park will never encounter a weasel. Yet these small members of a diverse family of stealthy carnivores are here in Southern Appalachia—and are likely watching us even when we cannot see them. The name “weasel” conjures up images of slippery, deceitful characters who often play the distastefully memorable […]