List: Iowa’s 7 Most Adorable & Endangered Mammals

Iowa is a state rich in wildlife, but the landscape has undergone massive changes since it became a state in 1846. What was once a sprawling stretch of native prairie now covers just 1% of Iowa's land. Wetlands have been drained, and woodland areas have been reduced by nearly half. These changes, driven by urbanization and agriculture, have taken a toll on the state’s native wildlife. Many native species are now endangered, threatened, or of special concern, including mammals that once thrived across the region.

The Iowa Endangered and Threatened Species Law, enacted in 1975, helps protect animals at risk of extinction. Endangered species are those at the highest risk of extinction across all or a significant portion of their range, receiving legal protections to prevent harm and habitat loss. Threatened species are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future and also enjoy legal protection aimed at preventing their decline. Special concern species, on the other hand, are not yet classified as endangered or threatened but face potential risks related to their status or distribution; they may receive some protection under specific regulations, though not as comprehensive as the other two categories. The key differences lie in the severity of their risk of extinction and the level of legal protections they receive.

Today, there are more than 100 species on the state’s endangered, threatened, or special concern lists, including nine species that are federally endangered. Among them are some of the most interesting and adorable mammals you might never have heard of. Let's dive into Iowa’s seven endangered or at-risk mammals and learn what makes them so unique.

1. Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

Weighing only 0.2 ounces and measuring 5-6 inches in length, the Indiana bat might be tiny, but it has a huge impact on its ecosystem. This little bat hibernates in caves and mines during the winter, often in large groups—up to 500 bats per square foot!

During the warmer months, it lives in forests where it forages for insects and raises its young. The Indiana bat is known for its small, mouse-like ears and social nature. Unfortunately, habitat loss and human disturbance during hibernation, along with pesticide use and white-nose syndrome (a fungal disease devastating many bat species), have contributed to its endangered status.

How You Can Help: Try to avoid disturbing bats if you come across them in caves, and support pesticide reduction efforts that protect their food sources.

2. Plains Pocket Mouse (Perognathus flavescens)

Despite its small size—just about 5 inches long, half of which is tail—the plains pocket mouse is perfectly adapted to life on the prairie. This little mouse digs burrows in sandy soil and takes dust baths to stay cool and keep parasites at bay. Though its range extends from the Dakotas down to Mexico, habitat loss due to urbanization has made the plains pocket mouse endangered in Iowa. Its soft, silky fur and gentle demeanor make it a precious part of the state’s prairie ecosystem.

How You Can Help: Supporting prairie restoration projects and protecting open spaces can help these little mice maintain their homes.

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3. Red-backed Vole (Clethrionomys gapperi)

The red-backed vole might seem like just another small rodent, but its old-growth forest habitat is crucial to its survival. These voles thrive in areas with plenty of fallen, rotting logs, which they use for shelter and food. Unfortunately, habitat loss due to timber harvesting and competition from more aggressive species like the prairie vole have placed red-backed voles at risk. Their populations are known to boom and bust naturally, but during low cycles, any habitat disturbance can threaten the entire population.

How You Can Help: Preserving old-growth forests and limiting disturbances in these areas can help maintain the natural cycles that red-backed voles depend on.

4. Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)

Most people cringe at the thought of skunks, but the spotted skunk is a real charmer! Unlike its more common striped cousin, the spotted skunk has a striking coat of black and white spots. It’s also famous for its acrobatic defense tactic—when threatened, it’ll stomp its feet and do a handstand before spraying its pungent scent.

Found in rocky savannas and even old farm buildings, this small skunk is endangered due to habitat destruction and urban expansion.

How You Can Help: Protecting savanna habitats and keeping an eye out for spotted skunks can help conserve this species. Plus, appreciate their gymnastic handstand the next time you spot one (from a safe distance, of course!). It is a warning after all.

5. Least Shrew (Cryptotis parva)

The least shrew may be tiny, but its survival depends on a very specific habitat—tallgrass prairies and forest edges. As prairie land has been converted for farming and urban development, the least shrew’s home has shrunk dramatically.

These shrews also face stiff competition from their more adaptable cousins, the masked shrew. Despite being small and somewhat elusive, least shrews play a key role in the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations.

How You Can Help: Prairie restoration is key! Supporting prescribed burns, removing invasive species, and protecting remaining prairie areas can help ensure the least shrew has a place to call home.

6. Southern Bog Lemming (Synaptomys cooperi)

Similar to the least shrew, the southern bog lemming relies on tallgrass prairies and wetlands. These small rodents are often forced to compete with meadow voles, which are more generalist in their habitat needs and out-compete bog lemmings for resources.

The loss of wetlands and tallgrass prairies has severely impacted this species, making it endangered in Iowa. Southern bog lemmings are adorable little creatures with soft fur and short tails, but they struggle in fragmented, shrinking habitats.

How You Can Help: Supporting wetland conservation efforts and the restoration of native grasses will give southern bog lemmings a fighting chance.

7. Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

Perhaps one of the most fascinating creatures on this list, the southern flying squirrel doesn’t actually fly—it glides! This nocturnal squirrel spreads its legs to create a parachute-like effect, allowing it to glide from tree to tree in search of food and shelter.

While it’s an agile acrobat in the air, it’s surprisingly clumsy on the ground. Southern flying squirrels rely heavily on oak and hickory forests, especially areas with plenty of dead trees and rotting logs that provide food and nesting sites. However, deforestation and habitat fragmentation have put them at risk.

How You Can Help: Maintain older woodlands, leave fallen logs where they lie, and consider installing nest boxes to support local squirrel populations.

Iowa’s wildlife, particularly its endangered and at-risk mammals, depend on healthy ecosystems and responsible land management to survive. As human activity continues to reshape the landscape, it's up to us to protect these species and the habitats they call home. Simple actions—like supporting conservation programs, preserving native prairies and forests, and even reducing pesticide use—can make a world of difference.

Whether it’s leaving hibernating bats be, keeping prairie lands intact for pocket mice, or providing safe nesting sites for flying squirrels, every bit helps our native species thrive. If we all work together, we can ensure these endangered (and adorable) animals continue to have a place in Iowa’s future.