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The American Pika, Ochotona princeps, lives in large groups, avoiding human contact. They inhabit high-altitude areas, typically at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 meters. Pikas often hide among rock piles to shield themselves from harsh weather and predators. Due to their elusive nature, this species is not widely recognized.
For a portion of the year, each pika claims a small territory, even when living in close proximity to others. Males often establish territories near females.
The American Pika primarily feeds on grasses. They are often seen holding stems of grass in their mouths. Pikas are quite intelligent; during the summer and autumn, they know to find dry spots to dry their grasses. These grass piles are gathered and left out in the open or under rocks. Once the grass is dried, they will bring it into their burrows. By the end of summer, they gather small heaps of dried grass, storing them carefully for winter.
In the cold winter months, if their food reserves run out, they will consume moss, lichens, and various small plants that grow within their burrows.
Outwardly, the American Pika resembles a common rabbit, but upon closer inspection, it is evident that the pika has round, short ears. Their hind legs are not longer than their front legs, unlike typical rabbit breeds. They have a broad nose and a tail so short that it is barely noticeable. Their body is rounded like an egg, approximately 21 cm long, and weighs about 180 grams. Their fur is slightly brown or reddish, soft, long, and thick. Males and females look very similar.
The pika has two types of vocalizations. One is a short alarm call used when threats are present or to deter intruders in their territory. The second type, which resembles a song, is used by males during the mating season, but throughout autumn, both males and females will “sing.”
This unique species is primarily diurnal, spending much of their time basking in the sun. Most of their daytime activities involve eating, drying grass, monitoring for predators, and defending their territory. Pikas are usually active in the early morning and retreat to their grass-lined nests hidden among the rocks just after sunset. They remain active throughout the winter, even during snowy conditions, and do not hibernate.
The American Pika breeds twice a year; mating occurs about a month before the snow melts, with the mating season typically lasting from late April to early July. Females give birth to 2-4 young in the spring. The young are weaned at 3-4 weeks old and leave their mother by 4 weeks of age. Afterward, females will mate a second time, producing a second litter for the year.
Young pikas reach full size in about three months but can only begin reproducing once they are two years old.
In the wild, the American Pika is preyed upon by eagles, hawks, bears, and wolves. However, the most dangerous predator of the pika is the Ermine weasel, a skilled hunter capable of pursuing pikas into their rocky shelters.
The average lifespan of this high-altitude rabbit is approximately six years, primarily found in the northwestern United States and western Canada.
