American Pika

The American pika (Ochotona princeps) is a small mammal related to rabbits and hares; a round-eared, rabbit-like animal that lives in alpine talus and boulder fields. In Banff National Park, pikas are common in rocky slopes and scree above treeline, where they are often heard before they are seen.

Identification: Small (6–8 inches long), gray-brown fur, rounded ears, no visible tail. Pikas are diurnal and vocal; their short “eep” or “meep” calls echo across talus slopes as they defend territories and warn of predators. They gather “haypiles” of grasses and forbs to dry in the sun for winter food, since they do not hibernate.

Habitat and diet: Pikas live year-round in alpine and subalpine talus, boulder fields, and rock slides. Talus slopes at the base of the Big Beehive provide habitat for pikas along the Lake Agnes trail. They require cool, moist microclimates within the rocks and are sensitive to warming; scientists use them as indicators of climate change in mountain ecosystems. They eat grasses, sedges, and flowering plants.

Viewing: Listen for their calls on hikes through alpine talus; look for movement between rocks. Do not approach or disturb; pikas expend significant energy evading predators and human disturbance can stress them.

The resort’s Pika run on the Front Side is named after this animal.