
American Pika
These are ridiculously cute… they look like something in between a mouse and a bunny and sound like a squeaky toy. They are also in danger because of climate change - even short exposures to temperatures over 78F can kill them. They can hide in the talus during brief hot spells, but they don't burrow and need to gather food for the winter (they don't hibernate), so as the temperature rises, so must the pika. They will migrate up the mountains if they can, but if they reach the top and it's still too warm, they've no where else to go. Now this isn't exactly new, it has been happening gradually for around 12,000 years, so I don't think the pika will become extinct any time soon, but it's habitat loss has been picking up a lot of speed in the most recent 100 of those years and there is enough concern that the US is considering protecting them under the endangered species act.

The American pika , a diurnal species of pika, is found in the mountains of western North America, usually in boulder fields at or above the tree line. They are herbivorous, smaller relatives of rabbits and hares.
comments (6)
We conclude our journey through JungleDragon's top 10 active members today with Morpheme! Morpheme is a moderator who shares photos of a a wide range of subjects -- fungi, plants, insects, mammals, birds, landscapes, and more! Her photos are stunning and highlight the enchanting beauty of the Pacific Northwest! Here are five of her popular photos! #JungleDragon
To see more of Morpheme's photos: https://www.jungledragon.com/user/1590/popular
https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife Posted 8 months ago