Take time to enjoy the experience. They might not be there when you return to that spot.
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.
If I had to choose my two favorite mountain critters, they'd be the pika and the ouzel.
#189323 - 02/23/1508:05 AMRe: The next time you see a pika
[Re: Rick_D]
hikerduane
member
Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
I saw and heard plenty on my CO vacation in the Aspen area. We may all have to do what people from Denver do, go to that area. Duane Edit: Old age, could not remember the area I was in. Maroon Bells, highly photographed in CO, the top place there.
#189347 - 02/24/1512:34 AMRe: The next time you see a pika
[Re: 4evrplan]
OregonMouse
member
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Interestingly, we have them at quite low altitude (almost sea level) in rockslides in the Columbia River Gorge. Evidently not all are affected by warm temperatures.
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Mouse, it's interesting that you see them so low along the Columbia. The place I saw the most of them, bar none, was on a trip in the Wind Rivers. Of course, any given year could be a population boom year or crash year, I guess, but it seems like the Winds would be pretty optimal conditions
#189484 - 03/01/1511:09 PMRe: The next time you see a pika
[Re: OregonMouse]
Jimshaw
member
Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
There are a few Pikas here in the Bend Area. One morning we found a hundred flowers (pinks) bitten off the same length and laid out in perfect order on garden steps to dry before being taken in for winter food. Thats how you know you have a Pika. Good luck seeing one. Jim
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.
i love pikas. if i come across a talus field and hear them, i stop and wait. eventually i see them scurrying around the rocks here and there but only if there aren't other hikers nearby. not uncommon to find them in subalpine talus areas in washington's cascades
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
Previous Topic
Index
