If you need a little cuteness to brighten your day, you've come to the right place!
I am a wildlife photographer and have dedicated much of my career to studying the American Pika! This little critter is a relative of rabbits and hares. They call alpine ecosystems home (typically) and are usually heard before they're ever seen.
American Pikas are really interesting, as they do not hibernate, but are active all year long in their very extreme high-elevation homes. They can be found in the Rocky Mountains and throughout the American West in mountainous regions. Have you ever experienced the joy of a pika welcome committee as they squeak "hello" to you?
If you love pikas and want to learn more about them, be sure to check out my book, The American Pika: Notes From the Field. Also, don't forget to visit my previous article on Bored Panda, by clicking here.
#1 An American Pika Sizing Up Some Yummy Thistle
49points
#2 Stashing Away Yummy Grasses For The Snowy Months
47points
#3 A Very Chunky Pika! Winter Ready!
45points
#4 A Young Pika
44points
#5 A Pika In Winter
43points
#6 Pika Selfie!
40points
#7 Snoozing Baby
40points
#8 Enjoying The First Light Of Morning
40points
#9 Leapin' Pika!
37points
#10 Chillin' Out On A Summer Afternoon
36points
#11 Say Cheese!
34points
#12 This Pika Has Quite The View
33points
#13 Stepping On A Tiny Branch To Reach The Yummiest Bits
33points
#14 An American Pika Checking Out What’s What On Her Very Windswept Slope At 12,800ft
33points
#15 Snow, Sunshine And An American Pika Enjoying Both
33points
#16 "These Look Particularly Yummy!"
32points
#17 Feasting!
32points
#18 An American Pika Absolutely Lovin’ Some Alpine Sunshine With Her Snowy Nosey
30points
#19 Pika Toes!
29points
#20 A Juvenile American Pika Having A Morning Grooming Session
29points