Posted by: Rick_D
The next time you see a pika - 02/20/15 06:23 PM
Take time to enjoy the experience. They might not be there when you return to that spot.
If I had to choose my two favorite mountain critters, they'd be the pika and the ouzel.
Quote:
The study identified 67 sites in the Sierra where pikas have been known to live – from the slopes of Mount Shasta in the north to the John Muir Wilderness in the south. Researchers found pikas had vanished from 10 of these spots, said Joseph Stewart, a scientist at UC Santa Cruz and the study’s lead author.
While all mammals respond to temperature changes, the pika is particularly sensitive. It dies when its body temperature rises just a bit above normal. Temperatures above 75 degrees can kill a pika in one hour.
While all mammals respond to temperature changes, the pika is particularly sensitive. It dies when its body temperature rises just a bit above normal. Temperatures above 75 degrees can kill a pika in one hour.
If I had to choose my two favorite mountain critters, they'd be the pika and the ouzel.