Pika

[ProCaliberTraveler]

This is a pika, a small mammal related to the rabbit. They only exist at high elevations and cannot survive in temperatures above 80 degrees or so. I've seen them in person only twice and both times were on rocky slopes above 10,000 feet in elevation.

The pika in this image comes from Morgan Pass in the high Sierra during my hike yesterday. It's the first time I've photographed this animal.

 

[Jeffrey]

Great catch! Those cute little buggers are elusive and timid. I haven't seen one for years and never got a picture of one.

 

[AlanLichty]

Sweet capture - I have only seen them in captivity and not a lot of images in the wild.

 

[ProCaliberTraveler]

Great catch! Those cute little buggers are elusive and timid. I haven't seen one for years and never got a picture of one.

Thanks, Jeffrey. I was surprised this critter stayed still long enough for me to switch to my long lens.

Sweet capture - I have only seen them in captivity and not a lot of images in the wild.

Thanks, Alan. I may not ever get another photo of a pika...

 

[JimFox]

Hey Michael,

That's a great capture!

Up in Rocky Mountain Nartional Park, they are all over the place on Trail Ridge Road. @Alisa spent a lot of time photographing them, though I don't think she posted any here. I took a couple of photos of them, but I am not as much into Wildlife, so I did only capture a couple.

They are super agile and quick as Jeffrey said. The ones in RMNP are a bit timid, but not overly so.

 

[Trent Watts]

Thanks for this image. It reminds of seeing one while hiking in the Rockies around Banff many years ago. They are pretty cute with those big ears.