American Pika on Snow

Near Bozeman, Montana

On the Winter solstice, this American pika was resting on the snow during the evening. Approximately two feet of snow had already fallen that week, and dried vegetation was still accessible. Numerous hay piles or food cache sites were still visible in areas where snow had drifted. This pika collected and stored a variety of food (mostly grasses, leaves, moss, and other plants) to survive the winter. American Pikas are active in the winter and they do not hibernate.