Wild Species
His and Her Pikas
Well maybe, but regardless, this pair of Pikas are the first pikas that I have been able to photograph side by side, as normally their running all over the place in their rockpile homes.
The Rock Glacier located in Kananskis Country is where one can find what may be the coolest little animal in Kananaskis Country. That is the Pika. They are small and have a round body, rounded ears, short legs and a short tail. Pikas resemble guinea pigs, but Pikas are, in fact, more closely related to rabbits and hares than they are to guinea pigs or any rodent group. I grabbed my camera with long-lens, and tripod, for a short hike up in to this rock slide where I have had good success shooting photos of Pikas before. I was rewarded immediately, as I spotted several Pikas scurrying about gathering grass.
Pikas do not hibernate and for this reason they must gather and store enough food supplies to last the winter, when harsh weather limits their foraging options. During the warmer months of the year, Pikas spend much of their time stashing extra plants. They cut large amounts of fresh grass or various plants with their sharp teeth. The carry bundles of cuttings in their mouth and stash them in storage locations. These storage piles are either nestled within the rocks or are located near their dens in big mounds or "haystacks" not unlike a rancher gathering hay for the winter months.
Expand the photo for a closer look.....
The Pika Hunter.....
https://www.jerryclement.ca/Outdoor-Pursuits/WildBirds/i-T8XdPz9
