Mammal · GBIF taxon 2436982
American Pika
Ochotona princepsAlso known as Rock Rabbit, Whistling Hare, Cony
American pikas are small, high-altitude lagomorphs that spend summer days gathering vast armfuls of alpine grasses, flowers, and lichen. They stack these harvests into sheltered rock crevices known as haypiles, curing the vegetation to feed on throughout the snowbound winter. High-pitched alarm squeaks echo across the talus slopes whenever a predator or intruder approaches their territory.
AlpineDiurnalHerbivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Sedges
- Alpine Flowers
Predators
- Weasels
- Martens
- Raptors
ThreatsRising temperatures due to climate change and habitat fragmentation
HabitatsAlpine rock fields, talus slopes, and boulder fields above the tree line
Life span3 to 7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOchotonidae
- SpeciesOchotona princeps
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Look for small, egg-shaped, tailless mammals with round ears perched atop alpine boulder fields.
- Support conservation
- Observe from a distance, keep dogs on leash, and never tread on or disturb visible haypiles.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Sharp, high-pitched squeaks often reveal hidden pikas before they are seen.
- Look near Haypiles: Scan sunny rock ledges where dried vegetation is stacked to spot active individuals.
- Keep Distance: Watch quietly from trails without stepping on fragile alpine vegetation or food caches.
Frequent Companion (c) Alan Vernon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) benjchristensen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Syd Cannings, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Syd Cannings · cc-by
Close Relative (c) ayden, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by ayden · cc-by
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