Pikas are as small as a can of soda, but they hold a world of wonder within them. These tenacious little creatures, often seen munching on a mouthful of wildflowers, are the ultimate survivors in the unforgiving Alpine environment. But what sets them apart?
In the cold winter months, when their lofty homes are blanketed in snow, pikas seek refuge in the subnivean zone, a hidden world nestled beneath the ground and the snowpack. Here, the layer of ice on the snowpack acts as insulation, maintaining a surprisingly comfortable temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. While this may seem chilly to us, for pikas, it’s just right.
To prepare for their chilly underground abode, pikas grow thick winter coats to keep warm. With their high metabolism, they are able to endure the harsh winter months. But what about food? In the snow-covered landscape, these resourceful creatures have to get innovative. During the warmer months, pikas tirelessly gather grasses and flowers, storing them in enormous “hay piles.” These carefully constructed and strategically placed piles are a crucial source of sustenance during the long, harsh winter.
With their diligent nature, pikas make an average of 13 trips per hour to gather food, displaying a level of commitment we could all learn from. They make over 100 trips a day and an astounding 14,000 per season. That’s a lot of grass and flowers!
However, as climate change alters weather patterns, pikas are encountering new threats. Rising temperatures and changes in snowpack can disrupt their way of life. Warmer temperatures can be fatal for these creatures, and alterations in snowpack can leave them exposed to predators. It’s a challenging world out there for our small furry friends.
If you’re eager to lend a helping hand to these resilient creatures, there are several ways you can make a difference. You can volunteer with the Colorado Pika Project, urge your elected representatives to safeguard pikas under the Endangered Species Act, and keep dogs on leashes in high-altitude areas. Reducing your carbon footprint is another impactful way to support pikas and the environment they inhabit.
As a foreboding future looms for the American pika, there has never been a more crucial time to pay attention to these remarkable little creatures and take action to shield them from the impacts of climate change.
As we uncover more about these diminutive creatures and their extraordinary habits, it’s vital to remember that we share this planet with a diverse array of life. So, let’s all do our part to protect and preserve our natural world, for the sake of all those who call it home.
Embark on your own quest to safeguard the pikas and the environment. Allow these small yet powerful creatures to inspire you to embrace the untamed world around us. After all, nature is brimming with surprises, and the key to safeguarding its magic lies in our hands. Let’s ensure that the pika’s tale has a joyous ending.
