Pikas: the Tiny Voices of the Mountains
Small but tough, pikas are among the most charismatic mammals of the high mountains. The American pika (Ochotona princeps) and collared pika (Ochotona collaris) thrive in rocky talus slopes where few other animals can survive. Their distinctive “eek” calls echo across alpine landscapes, and though they may be easy to overlook at first glance, pikas play an outsized role as indicator species. Their sensitivity to rising temperatures makes them important markers of climate change. On our photo tours and workshops in Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, and Yellowstone, we search rocky slopes and alpine meadows for the chance to photograph these remarkable little mammals.
American Pika gathering food in the Canadian Rockies.
More often heard than seen, the pika announces itself with a quick “eek”. American Pika, Yellowstone.
Nine Facts About Pikas
Not Rodents
Though they look like small hamsters, pikas are lagomorphs, related to rabbits and hares.
High-Elevation Specialists
American pikas live in talus slopes at or above the treeline in the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and other western mountain ranges. Collared pikas are found farther north in Alaska and Canada.
Short Summers, Busy Lives
Because they don’t hibernate, pikas spend their short alpine summers gathering food for winter. They create “haypiles” of dried vegetation tucked under rocks, which provide their winter diet.
The Haypile Strategy
A single pika can collect and store hundreds of plant species in its haypiles, creating miniature pantries that may weigh more than the pika itself.
Constant Energy Burners
Pikas have very high metabolic rates, which is why they can’t tolerate sustained heat. Just a few hours of exposure to temperatures above ~78°F (25°C) can be fatal.
Climate Change Indicators
Because of their heat sensitivity and reliance on alpine habitats, pikas are considered indicator species. Their population trends reflect the impact of climate change on fragile mountain ecosystems.
Vocal Little Neighbors
Pikas communicate with sharp “eek” calls to warn of predators or claim territory. Some also use longer songs during breeding season.
Predators and Survival
They’re preyed upon by weasels, hawks, and coyotes, yet their rocky habitat provides excellent cover.
Family Ties
Pikas are territorial but live in colonies. A slope full of talus can support many individuals, each fiercely guarding its haypiles.
Extra Fun Fact
The word “pika” is pronounced in two common ways:
pī-kə (like pie-kuh)
pē-kə (like pee-kuh)
Both are correct, and usage can vary by region or speaker. The “pie-kuh” version tends to be more common in North American wildlife circles, especially among naturalists and field guides. Remember: no matter how you say it, the pika doesn’t care.
Where We See Pikas on Our Tours
We’ve photographed both American and collared pikas on our tours. In Yellowstone, American pikas live on rocky talus slopes, where sharp ears can catch their high-pitched calls before you spot their small bodies darting between rocks. In the Canadian Rockies, alpine meadows and scree fields often harbor busy colonies. And in Alaska, collared pikas thrive in the vast, open tundra and talus slopes, though finding them requires patience and persistence.
Tips for Spotting and Photographing Pikas
Listen first: Their sharp “eek” calls often reveal them before you see them.
Search rocky slopes: Look for movement among talus fields near alpine meadows.
Patience pays off: Sit quietly near a haypile, and a pika may soon reappear.
Photography tip: Use a telephoto lens and a low shooting angle to capture them in their rocky environment.
Composition: Include the surrounding talus or alpine plants to show the harsh habitat they call home.
Pikas are small but tough, thriving among the rocks high in the mountains. Collard Pika, Alaska.
Pikas are always busy, often seen with a mouthful of leaves for their haypiles. American Pika, Yellowstone. Photo credit: Jenny Bowlden.
On our photo tours and workshops in Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, and Yellowstone, we search out these small but fascinating mammals, often hearing their sharp calls before catching a glimpse of them darting across the rocks. Beyond being an important indicator species, pikas are downright adorable and a joy to photograph. Their quick movements, expressive faces, and habit of pausing with mouthfuls of plants make them irresistible subjects once you’ve spotted them.
Pikas are not yet listed as threatened across their entire range, but local populations are declining due to rising temperatures. As indicator species, their struggles highlight the vulnerability of alpine ecosystems in a warming climate.
