Key Information
Pikas
| Species | 29 species |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Length | 6 to 9 inches |
| Weight | 4.2 to 12.3 oz |
| Lifespan | 7 years |
| Conservation Status | Varies, some Endangered |
| Classification | Mammalia > Lagomorpha > Ochotonidae |
| Habitat | Mountains and Alpina Areas |
Learning Point
- Pikas are the “mountain-climbing” versions of rabbits, but they look like round, fluffy hamsters with no tails. Living in cold, rocky alpine environments, these little survivors are famous for their haystacking habit—they spend all summer franticly gathering wildflowers and grasses to dry in the sun, creating “haypiles” to eat during the winter since they don’t hibernate. Because they are super sensitive to heat, they act as an “early warning system” for climate change. If you ever hike near their rocky homes, listen for their high-pitched, metallic “Eek!”—it’s their way of claiming territory.
Project
- Draw a picture of Pika family.
- Overview
Location
Fun Facts
- Pikas are very chatty. If they see a predator or a stranger, they let out a loud, high-pitched whistle that sounds like a tiny squeaky toy saying “Eek!” to warn their neighbors.
- They live in “talus” slopes, which are piles of big broken rocks. These rocks stay cool in the summer and act like an insulated blanket to keep the pika warm during freezing winters.
- Unlike many other small mammals, pikas have no visible tail. This helps them stay extra round and fluffy, which keeps their body heat trapped inside when it’s snowing.
- Pikas are very sensitive to heat—it’s like they have a built-in thermometer! Because they can’t handle hot weather, they are often the first animals to move higher up the mountain if it gets too warm.
Past Lessons
| 200 | February 4, 2026 | (North America) |