The American Pika is a small, round-eared relative of rabbits that lives in talus slopes and rocky alpine terrain, and does not hibernate. It spends summer harvesting and curing piles of vegetation—called haypiles—to sustain itself through winter. Because pikas are highly sensitive to heat, they are considered a sentinel species for climate change, with populations retreating to higher elevations as temperatures rise.
Habitat
Alpine talus slopes and rocky subalpine terrain
Diet
Grasses, forbs, mosses, and lichens stored in haypiles
How common
Uncommon
Recent American Pika sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a American Pika? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free