About Pikas

Pikas are small, rodent-like animals that are visually very similar to the more common rats and mice. Pikas have a dark brown-black coloration and extremely thick hair. Despite looking quite small and harmless, Pikas are actually very tough, and can survive their entire lives in the harsh American alpine terrain. These little survivors grow to be about seven to eight inches long, with their big, round ears jutting out of the top of their head. The majortity of Pikas live in the alpine regions of the lower 48 states, some survive at lower altitudes as well. Pikas are herbivores, and especially love to feast on the tall grasses and flowers that exist in their alpine habitats. They often collect an excess of food during the more forgiving months, to store and eat during the harsh alpine winters.