American Pika
The American pika (Ochotona princeps) is a small, herbivorous mammal of the family Ochotonidae, closely related to rabbits and hares (order Lagomorpha). It is native to the mountainous regions of western North America, typically inhabiting rocky slopes and talus fields at or above the tree line. Unlike most mammals of similar size, the American pika is diurnal, being active primarily during the day. It employs two distinct foraging strategies: directly consuming vegetation or gathering and storing plant materials in "haypiles" to sustain itself through the winter months, a behavior known as haying.
Pikas are vocal animals, using a variety of calls and songs both to warn of approaching predators and during the breeding season. Predators of the American pika include eagles, hawks, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and weasels.
Recent studies suggest that populations in the southwestern United States are declining due to habitat loss and global warming. Despite these regional declines, the American pika is overall assessed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN and remains common in the northwestern United States and Canada.
Slow & Steady
- 2021-02-01T00:00:00.000000Z
Rmnp
- 2019-03-01T00:00:00.000000Z
Spring 2009
- 2018-09-17T00:00:00.000000Z
Big South
- 2020-09-28T00:00:00.000000Z
Ypsilon
- 2020-09-12T00:00:00.000000Z
Ruby Jewel
- 2020-08-03T00:00:00.000000Z
Indigo Bunting
- 2020-07-06T00:00:00.000000Z
Loved to Death
- 2020-02-29T00:00:00.000000Z
Exit Glacier
- 2020-01-27T00:00:00.000000Z
Too Much Time
- 2019-11-08T00:00:00.000000Z
Leaving Traces
- 2019-08-16T00:00:00.000000Z
Tyndall
- 2019-04-12T00:00:00.000000Z
Quandary
- 2019-01-04T00:00:00.000000Z
Longs
- 2018-12-17T00:00:00.000000Z
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