On the Trail to Spot a Pika

When is a rodent not a rodent?

That is exactly what the Saratoga Elementary School’s kindergarten class was looking to find during their September 19 field trip to the Snowy Range. Children explored the rocks around Mirror Lake looking for the elusive pika.

Kindergarten teacher Jaimie Lee led the expedition to catch a glimpse of the elusive critter.

According to the National Park Service, while pikas may resemble a rodent they are closely related to rabbits. Pikas have tan- to grey-colored coats, round ears, black eyes, and long whiskers. Their bodies tend to be round in shape with no tail and short legs. Pikas nest in rocky talus slopes, usually in subalpine regions of the park."

“American pikas have adapted to living in very inhospitable environments. They live where most other mammals don't venture—the treeless slopes of mountains,” according to the National Wildlife Federation’s “American Pika.” "American Pikas are believed to have evolved from Siberian ancestors that crossed the former land bridge between Asia and Alaska."

The trails behind Mirror Lake are indeed rocky and don’t look to house these rodent-like mammals.

“The 13 small explorers practiced being very quiet in the days leading up to their trek”, said Lee.

The class was looking to see or hear the tiny creatures.

“Pikas have distinct calls that vary in duration and tone,” according to Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance 2020 article “The Mighty American Pika.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service deems the pika as the whistling hare because of its call used to communicate and warn of predators.

The adventure to the mountains proved successful for the "patient" kindergarten class. Pikas and chipmunks made their presence known.