Explore the Majestic: Top 7 Largest Animals in Iowa and Where to Spot Them

As the saying goes, where there is water, there is life, and
Iowa
—a state located in the Midwestern part of the United States—is bordered by two significant rivers. The Mississippi River forms Iowa’s eastern boundary, whereas the Missouri River delineates its western limit. This geographical setup contributes greatly to making Iowa ideal for supporting diverse wildlife. Notably, Iowa leads all states in pig farming; it boasts the nation’s highest swine population. However, beyond just pigs, Iowa hosts many intriguing animal species. We will now concentrate on some of the biggest creatures found within the state and discuss their typical habitats.

1. Bison

The biggest creature in Iowa is the American bison. Once, these animals moved across the state in large groups, but due to hunting, they vanished from the landscape entirely. Fortunately, bison have made their return; today, various enclosed populations inhabit the region, such as those found within the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Here, they roam over an expansive 800 acres designed to support the health of the prairie environment. These massive beasts grow quite heavy, ranging anywhere from 700 to 2,600 pounds, with some standing up to impressive heights of about 6 feet 7 inches when measured at the shoulders.

2. Black Bear

Black bears are not rare in the Upper Midwest. These animals can be found in both deciduous forests and mountainous areas, though they seldom make their homes in open prairies. Currently, black bears do not reside permanently in Iowa; however, each year, several reports surface indicating that some individuals occasionally wander into the state from neighboring regions.

Black bears are omnivorous creatures capable of consuming fruits like berries, cereals such as grains, and even meat. Approximately 30 percent of their nutrition originates from animal-based protein sources. While black bears seldom initiate attacks on people, preferring instead to avoid human contact, one must remain cautious when venturing into areas where these animals might reside.
American black bears
extend from about 47 to 79 inches in length, with adult males capable of weighing up to 550 pounds.

3. Mountain Lion

Refer to it as a panther, puma, or cougar, the
mountain lion
Is among the biggest felines known to us. Mountain lions excel as stealthy hunters. Their diet primarily consists of various mammals, with a particular liking for deer. These creatures are highly versatile and inhabit numerous environments such as forests and mountainous regions. A full-grown male can reach weights of up to 200 pounds, whereas female counterparts typically tend to be more petite.

4. White-tailed Deer

Across Iowa, you’ll find white-tailed deer thriving mainly in forested areas and open fields. They get their common name from the noticeable white marking on their tails, visible particularly when they lift them as an alert signal. As medium-sized creatures, these deer display sexual dimorphism; adult males tend to be bigger compared to females. Adult male white-tailed deer generally range from 150 to 300 pounds and stand at about 47 inches tall at the shoulders. On average, female counterparts weigh somewhere between 90 and 200 pounds.

5. Foxes

In Iowa, one can find numerous examples of these creatures, with the state being inhabited by two distinct types: the red fox and the gray fox. Among them, the red fox stands out as the bigger species, measuring between 14 to 20 inches tall from toe to shoulder joint and stretching an additional length of 18 to 35 inches without factoring in its bushy tail. Typically weighing up to about 30 pounds, they tend to have a gender size difference where female individuals are slightly lighter compared to male counterparts. Known for their flexibility, foxes inhabit various environments ranging widely—from bustling cityscapes right down to more rural settings. Their diet consists mainly of plant matter along with bugs, larvae, plus tiny critters running around.

6. Coyotes

A widely distributed creature throughout the state is the coyote. These animals typically reside in woodlands, prairies, and mountainous regions; however, they’ve also been spotted near human settlements. Generally, coyotes display a light gray hue, and adult males can reach weights of around 44 pounds, whereas females tend to be slightly lighter, maxing out at about 40 pounds. Their total length, from nose tip to tail end, can extend up to 4.5 feet. The diet of these creatures primarily consists of various small mammals, though they might occasionally feed on birds and reptiles as well.

7. Bobcats

Our last entry on this list is the bobcat, whose name comes from its characteristic short tail. These animals usually appear in shades of gray-brown and measure about 50 inches in length when you include their tails. Male bobcats may reach weights of up to 40 pounds; however, females tend to be slightly lighter. As opportunistic hunters, bobcats feed primarily on small to mid-size mammals like mice, hares, and even young deer. They generally reside in the south part of Iowa, thriving both in forested areas and open plains. Today, over 4,000 bobcats live in Iowa—a remarkable resurgence considering they had been nearly wiped out within the state by the late ’70s and listed as endangered back then in 1977.

What Actions Should You Take When Facing a Predatory Animal?

Should you encounter a big carnivore during your time in Iowa, it’s crucial to stay composed. Keep looking at the creature without bending down; doing so might make them believe you intend to pounce. Instead, stand tall, continue making eye contact, and retreat gradually backward. Avoid running because this can trigger their predatory responses. If you flee, they’ll likely see you as food and pursue you accordingly.

Here are several methods to reduce the likelihood of encountering a big animal initially. First, avoid trying to feed wildlife at all costs. Additionally, create some noisy commotion. Do not produce jarring sounds, yet refrain from hiding yourself. Noise-making signals nearby human activity to these creatures, prompting them either to steer clear entirely or retreat discreetly. Interestingly enough, animals share our aversion towards unexpected meetings with humans. Loud noises could also serve to intimidate an approaching animal effectively.

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