A small ground-dwelling rabbit relative — basically a hamster-shaped mountaineer. Pikas don't hibernate; they spend summer collecting "haypiles" of vegetation under rocks to eat through long winters.

Also called: Coney, Whistling Hare, Rock Rabbit, Mouse Hare

Native status: Native; declining due to climate change

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 16–22 cm (6.3–8.7 in); no visible tail
Weight121–176 g (4.3–6.2 oz)
LifespanWild typically 3–4 years; oldest documented 7
OrderLagomorpha
FamilyOchotonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The American pika is a small, herbivorous mammal of the family Ochotonidae, closely related to rabbits and hares. 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.

Source: Wikipedia — American pika Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Round chunky lagomorph with dense gray-brown fur, no visible tail, round ears.

Similar species. No similar US mammals. Marmots (much larger, longer fur, different shape). Ground squirrels (much smaller, different shape).

Voice. Sharp high-pitched "EEK!" warning call given from prominent rocks.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Alpine grasses, sedges, forbs, mosses, lichens. Cuts vegetation and stockpiles in "haypiles" near burrow entrances for winter food (does not hibernate).

Behavior. Alpine specialist of high-elevation talus and rockslide habitats. Among the most climate-sensitive US mammals — cannot tolerate body temperatures above 77°F (25°C); single hour of overheating can be fatal. As mountain climates warm, low-elevation populations are disappearing while high-elevation populations have nowhere higher to retreat. Has already been extirpated from multiple mountain ranges in California and the Great Basin.

§ Range

Mountain ranges of western US and Canada

§ Habitat

High-elevation talus slopes (rocky scree fields)

§ Threats

Climate-driven habitat loss, increasing summer temperatures, decreased snowpack (which insulates winter dens).

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the american pika is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Support climate-resilient mountain conservation. Donate to pika monitoring projects.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Pika Citizen Science Project
  • USGS Sagebrush Steppe Climate Effects
  • National Park Service Climate Indicators
  • IUCN Red List 2018