The American pika is about the size of a large -- and adorable -- baked potato. But unlike baked potatoes, pikas are fierce and are the inspiration behind the most famous of all Pokémon: Pikachu. Sadly, American pika habitat in the snowy, high mountain, alpine meadows of western North America are threatened by climate change. POWER TO THE PIKA! #pikas #powertothepika #pokemon #pikachu #climatechange #keepitintheground #fightextinction #pokemongo | Center for Biological Diversity

Found in rocky mountain areas, American pikas are known for the “haystacks” they create. This well formed pile is composed of plants like grasses, sedges, and thistles that the pika collects and stores as a winter food source. After the built up vegetation has a chance to dry, this little critter will move the haystack inside of its den deep in the rocks for safekeeping. Catch another glimpse of this species during the premiere of the Photo Ark special this Saturday at 10/9pm central on NatGeo W

The American pika is a small, mountain-dwelling mammal found in rocky areas of North America. With its round body, short limbs, and fluffy fur, it closely resembles a tiny rabbit. Pikas are known for their high-pitched, whistling calls, which they use to communicate, warn of predators, and defend their territory. Their distinctive “eep!” sound is often heard echoing through the mountains, especially during the summer when they are busy gathering food for winter. Despite their cute appearance, pi

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shared this adorable video of American pika playing at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. The pika is particularly sensitive to warming, making it an indicator species for climate change — acting as a warning for the health and survival of other species as well. "Living beneath the rocks protects the American pika from extreme weather," According to the USFWS, "but climate change is forcing the round-bodied mammals to move higher up the mountain where the

American pikas know a thing or two about getting ready for winter 💪❄️ Though this treeless, rocky slope may appear inhospitable to most, it’s the perfect spot for American pikas to store their gathered foliage for the winter. | National Geographic Animals

Biologists have mapped Wyoming’s pika habitat for the first time, revealing that these vulnerable mammals now occupy just 57% of the state’s suitable alpine areas. This data highlights the growing threat of climate change, as pikas are highly sensitive to temperature shifts. While Wyoming’s pika populations remain stable for now, they have already suffered significant habitat loss in places like Idaho and Montana due to rising temperatures and drier conditions. Although Wyoming’s more central lo

Despite their cuddly appearance, American pikas are among North America's toughest animals. 🐭💪 They reach a size of about seven to eight inches (18 to 20 centimeters) in length. Pikas are one of the few mammals in the lower 48 states that can survive their entire lives in alpine terrain, the windswept no-man's-land above the tree line. The American pika has a brown and black coloration, which is meant to camouflage them among rocks. They have adapted to living in very inhospitable environments