The American pika is one of my favorite animals. Not only are they endearing visually, but they also live in a habitat I love to visit. Here in Montana they typically live between 5,500 and 10,500 feet in elevation, making them a true mountain dweller.
Pikas are part of the rabbit family. One of the reasons they live so high is their inability to survive in warm temperatures. When I first started photographing these little creatures, I had no idea they,like the polar bear,would become an indicator species for global warming. Thankfully, the folks at the Craighead Institute have been documenting changes in the high alpine habitat pikas depend on. As earth’s temperatures rise, the American pika will be pushed to ever-higher levels. But like everything, there’s a limit.
Pikas can only go so far before they reach the top of the mountain. Before they reach the top, help the Craighead Institute understand what lies ahead. You can do this by Adopting a Pika. I just did.