PIKA:

PIKA PIPING HARE,ROCK RABBIT, MOUSE HARE, CONY, LITTLE CHIEF HARE. CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL, THIS DIMINUTIVE LAGOMORPH THRIVES WHERE MOST OTHER MAMMALS WOULD STARVE OR FREEZE TO DEATH. BUT THE PIKA, ADMIRABLY ADAPTED TO LIFE AT OR ABOVE TIMBERLINE, REMAINS ACTIVE EVEN WHEN SNOW LIES DEEPEST ON ITS BOUNDISH BODY, SHORT LEGS, THE SOLES OF THE PIKA`S FEET ARE FUR CLAD TOO, FOR WARMTH---AND FOR TRACTION ON SLIPPERY SURFACE.

 

THE PIKA GATHERS AND STORES FOOD, SCUTTLING OVER WELL WORN PATHS TO HARVEST GRASSES AND OTHER PLANTS THAT SUSTAIN IT THROUGH THE WINTER. IT SPREADS THE GRESSES IN THE SUN TO DRY, SLOWLY, PILING THEM INTO SEVERAL BUSHEL-SIZE STACKS. THE OWNER JEALOUSLY GUARDS ITS CACHES, CHASING OFF INTRUDING PIKAS AND MARKING EACH STACK WITH URINE AND WITH SCENT FROM A FACIAL GLAND.

A FULLY GROWN PICKA WEIGHS 4 OUNCES(113g) AND REACHES A LENGTH OF ABOUT 8 INCHES (203mm).