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.
Best time to see a American Pika
The best time to see a American Pika is July–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,893 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a American Pika? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent American Pika sightings near you
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