JACKSON, Wyo. — In preparation for the snowy months ahead, pikas have been busy assembling their food stores under rocks and logs in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).
GTNP posed the question on Facebook, “Ever stumbled across a mysterious little ‘haystack’ tucked under rocks while hiking high in the Tetons? That’s the winter pantry of a pika.”
According to GTNP, the pika, a tiny rabbit relative, will stay active all winter long. Instead of hibernating, pikas gather plants during the summer to dry and store in high-elevation rocky terrain. Some of their haystacks can grow up to 3 feet across.
The pika will select plants with high nutritional value and antimicrobial properties to prevent haystack rot.
“They will fiercely defend their haystacks, ensuring that they will have food all winter,” GTNP wrote.
GTNP shared some fun facts about the pika: They grow to about the same size as a guinea pig, and are known for loud, sharp warning calls that sound like “Eeek.” They make scent marks by frequently rubbing their cheeks on rocks. Pikas are natural climbers with furred feet, sharp curved claws and padded toes for traction.
“Keep your eyes (and ears!) open on talus slopes — you might just hear one before you see it,” GTNP wrote.
